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).
Letter discussing the momentary sluggishness in acceleration of the 40/50 and Phantom models due to carburation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 122\4\ scan0005 | |
| Date | 27th December 1926 | |
| X-3675 cc - Mr. Haldenby Mr. Hulley S/W Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Oy3-E-122726 December 27, 1926. Mr. F.{Mr Friese} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Royce, Rolls-Royce, Ltd., London, England. (Copy for attention of Mr. Hives) Re Carburation Dear Mr. Royce: With reference to my remark on carburation of American cars in general in my note of November 11th to Mr. Hives, I think this requires explanation as probably the distinction between R.R. and the better American cars in this respect only occurs on our lower-grade fuel. A.{Mr Adams} Acceleration It is noted by many who handle either the 40/50 or Phantom that, when the accelerator is suddenly depressed at say 20 m.p.h., the engine, while it is much smoother in acceleration than other cars, does not appear instantly to start pulling vigorously like the majority of cars. For example, when passing another car going in the same direction, it requires a certain amount of experience and confidence in the car to believe that it will get by as easily as it does, because of this lack of the immediate evidence of acceleration. While many of the cars that give a vigorous thrust to the backs of the occupants actually do not accelerate comparably with the R.R., they have a reputation for rapid acceleration, based on sensation only. The evidence suggests that this momentary sluggishness is due to a weak mixture, as it is at this instant that the engine "pops back" when cold. | ||