From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Vehicle performance evaluation report, detailing positive and negative features and comparing it to other cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 124\5\ scan0004 | |
| Date | 13th November 1928 guessed | |
| contd :- -3- be made to detonate at full torque low speed. There was no torque reaction/at any speed or indication that the car had been driven hard for 800 miles. (4) Gearbox. Very silent for this type of car. Obviously ground gears. Ridiculously easy gear change. A very small flywheel is fitted to the car with a small dia. multi-plate clutch (five-plates approximately). The objectionable features were :- (1) Exhaust boom pronounced at certain speeds. (2) Brakes xa not very progressive or well equalised. Too much on the front and no torque control on the front axle. In consequence steering affected under violent application. (3) Steering not good enough for the car. They have a very wide front track to give stability and a narrow frame to give a good lock. Consequently the axle seems to criss cross excessively. No self centering. Lack selectivity a little. Summarising the car : With a better exhaust system and Rolls-Royce steering and brakes coupled with an improved low speed torque and more room in the front seats, a the 1.5 litre Alfa Romeo would be an ideal owner-drivers car, very considerably in advance of anything we have previously tried. Mr. Summers own views are : The Phantom is too big for an owner driver in England but ideal for Continental work. He uses his exclusively for Continental touring in the summer. He is most contd :- | ||