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).
5000-mile road test report covering engine cleanliness, tyre wear comparison, and starting performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\1\ scan0293 | |
| Date | 29th November 1933 | |
| xerr3a Hotel de France. Chateauroux. Indre. To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} From G.W.H. I. B. IV. We shall have completed 5000 miles this morning and contemplate dismantling the engine during the afternoon to examine the pistons as arranged. We have received your memo Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 1/MJ 27/11/33 re dirty engine. The engine shields are not satisfactory for keeping mud from being splashed on to the engine, when running in excessive dirty weather, but we do not consider them to be any worse than with a standard Phantom. We have not made a point of reporting upon this as we have not had previously a correct set of shields. The rear part of the engine and the dash get well covered with mud. We are of the opinion that louvers should not be necessary now that we have an effecient Radiator. If E will send out designs for improved shields we will endeavour to make them and try them out. We have received to-day five India Tyres, No Y 44489, Y 59919, Y 59971, Y 57470, Y 60316. These have the buttress type of tread. Re Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}'s querie re. the peculiar wear of India Tyres. We have not the same kind of wear that he mentions ie. on the inside of the tread. I should very much question the toe in of the front wheels in that respect. Our car the last time out, was toeing outwards 1/8, we made it toe in 1/8. This time it has only got 1/16" toe in. Our tyres are wearing exactly the same as they did on Brooklands that is, the tread on either side of the centre tread is considerably worn leaving the centre tread practically new (this is the front tyres) The rear are identical with the difference that the centre portion is more worn. We can definately state that the tyres are as good as Dunlop in their non skidding qualities with the tread half worn. That is approximately the condition of tyres as Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} states at 8000 miles. We do not of course get tyres to last out that mileage. Up to present we are satisfied on road holding qualities. STARTING UP DIFFICULTIES Up to the present we have had no difficulties in starting up. Our battery being well charged, the starter motor has vigorously turned the engine. We have not had the car outside all night, but will try this later. - - - - - - - - - - We note the remarks re. the slipper wheel and as you do not wish us to do any work upon it, we shall not | ||