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).
10,000-mile test report for the 15-EX test car, detailing its performance and condition.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\3\ Scan177 | |
| Date | 26th February 1928 | |
| C O P Y. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 26.2.28. Chateauroux, Indre, France. 15-EX - 10,000 MILES TEST CAR. Car generally. The car generally is in splendid condition; the engine is in good tune and very smooth over its whole range. GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} reports well over 90 m.p.h. more than once under favourable conditions. From his reports petrol and oil consumption are excellent. Brakes, clutch etc. very good. Suspension. This is rather hard at low speeds. The internal spring friction seems to have increased. We shall be better off in this respect with the new type lighter rear springs having fewer leaves. Also the standard Continental rear springs are 1500 lbs. and we have 1550 on this car. Should say 1400 could be used with Hartfords. If Hartfords are used intelligently bumping at high speeds can be eliminated, they must however, (and any intelligent owner-driver will do this) be slacked off to give good low speed riding. The car holds the road magnificently at high speeds. Body. This is really standing up wonderfully well. All the trouble has been due to the deck locks, fittings and hinges being made of inferior material. Stainless steel seems essential instead of soft brass, perhaps the section of the deck hinges could be increased slightly with advantage, but Hoopers material is quite lamentable. Tail etc. excellent. I have asked GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} to report fully on the deck fittings etc., door locks and hinges seem quite O.K. As you know the front of the body is now being held down on rubber as the springs were no good. Result small crack developing in front of front doors. Triangulation of this panel to point of body support should obviate the trouble (see sketch). All the rattles are coming from the dash. In conclusion, apart from the dash and the body fittings the car seems in very good condition. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/W. A.{Mr Adams} Robotham. | ||