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).
Field report from a journey between Vienna and Warsaw, including details of a competitor's 16-cylinder Cadillac.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\1\ scan0044 | |
| Date | 13th June 1930 | |
| 1. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} 2. C. 3. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} 4. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} 5. PN.{Mr Northey} COPY OF FN'S REPORT RECEIVED IN LONDON 13.6.30. Whr.{Mr Wheeler} Crackow, En route to Warsaw, 9th June, 1930. We left Vienna at 5 a.m. this morning and have just arrived here for the night. I regret to inform you that, in spite of the repairs carried out to the body by the coachbuilders in Vienna, there are still many apparently incurable rattles and, unless the roads round Warsaw are pretty good, I do not think I can possibly give any demonstration runs. I propose to have one more try to cure at least some of the noise in the body when we arrive in Warsaw to-morrow and then if I am not satisfied I shall telegraph you for instructions. I did not stay longer in Vienna because, as Pretis has already informed you, everybody of interest is away. We managed to make contact with 2 owners and gave them such service as we could but I could not raise any interest in a sale! On Saturday there was a Concours d'Elegance in Vienna which Pretis and I attended. It was not very interesting as practically everybody got a prize! There was, however, one car of interest and that was a 16 cylinder Cadillac! I made myself known to the owner (?) who turned out to be a Factory representative! I asked him to let me see the car in detail and, if possible, try it and he kindly gave me an appointment and the following report may be of interest to you:- Engine. Quite a pretty job and reasonably accessible as to valve (overhead) adjustment and sparking plugs. The engine is in V in 2 banks of 8 cylinders. The 2 carburettors are fitted between the cylinders and the frame, one on each side, and are easy to get at. The distributor is very accessible. Two Autovacs are fitted. Clutch. Single plate - dry - quite sweet and gentle in operation. Light clutch spring. Gear box. Three speeds. Delightful change at any speed. Some patent clutch device is fitted inside the gear box, the operation of which is not quite clear to me. but the result is certainly good. Rear Axle. Very silent up to 45 m.p.h. (I could not try it at any higher speeds) gear ration 4 to 1, tyres 31" x 7.56". contd.. | ||