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).
Short test report on a 31 HP Buick, detailing engine performance, induction system issues, and steering characteristics.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 124\3\ scan0246 | |
| Date | 28th November 1934 | |
| To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} +3317 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies}1/KW.28.11.34. 31 HP. Buick. Owing to the fact that this car was required for inspection of the induction system, the test run was therefore short. Below are a few performance figures and impressions taken. Engine slow running. This is not very impressive, with the car stationary the engine hunts and the exhaust note sounds uneven. We tested the car as it arrived and found that the engine was throttle stopped to run at 7 m.p.h. on the road. The carburetter was adjusted to give 4 m.p.h. on the road, but at this speed we got "chunking" in the drive. The engine stops frequently with this fine throttle setting. Apparently it is expected to throttle stop the engine to a road speed equivalent to 7 m.p.h. Snap acceleration from this speed shows a flat spot in the carburation, at speeds in excess of 30 m.p.h. the acceleration is very good. There is an appreciable amount of induction roar. Performance Test - Stanton Hill 19.2 secs. Ticknall Hill 51.0 secs. Acceleration from 10 m.p.h. to 60 m.p.h., 19.5 secs. These were the only figures taken. The two points which stand out on this car are the steering qualities, the steadiness, and springing of the front of the car. The steering is quite free from road shocks, and is light to handle, rather low geared. It takes 3 full turns of the steering wheel from right to left lock and 3 3/4 turns from left to right lock. | ||