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).
Adverse criticisms and performance issues of a car following a run to Glasgow.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 98\4\ scan0176 | |
| Date | 20th March 1941 | |
| Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Wyman File [crossed out] [Handwritten signature over reference] J.E.F./ory.3/T.20.3.41 [In red ink] Should like to discuss with you Run to Glasgow on 9-B.V [9-B.V is circled] [In red ink] file [circled] Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} [initials] 400d. Many thanks for the loan of this car. You probably only want adverse criticisms, but the steering and the silence of the overdrive are both commendable. As regards criticisms :- 1. The De-Froster was a washout from the start, because when turned in the correct position, it emitted a noise like an ambulance bell. The next morning the heater blew up entirely, and due to there only being a tap in one of the pipe connections under the bonnet, we lost a lot of coolant before being able to stop up the second pipe. I still think the little De-Frosters, of which I think you have bought a lot from Glasgow, are the best thing. 2. On the trip up north, the throttle was very loth to close. Caswell has fitted an immensely strong spring to put this right. You will probably want to remove this as soon as possible. 3. The cold starting and carburation for the first five minutes are very bad. 4. I do not think the ride is up to B.V standard. Even with four people and luggage, any position of the ride control other than the minimum caused the ride to become worse without curing the throw up on the wavy road between the Scottish Corner and Carlisle. 5. On the way up north the water temperature ran at a 100, although the radiator was completely full. After the heater episode the temperature has never risen above 85; possibly the thermostat was sticking. 6. The top speed of the car is disappointing. It was only with considerable struggles that we exceeded 80 miles per hour. 7. The vibration of the propeller shaft when getting away at full throttle on first and second is very noticeable. Has this trouble become worse since the floppy mounting of the centre bearing? P.T.O. | ||