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).
3463-mile continental road test, including performance observations and fault analysis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179b\3\ img271 | |
| Date | 21th February 1933 | |
| ORIGINAL. COPY OF REPORT RECEIVED FROM HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} IN FRANCE. DATED 19.2.33. To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} De. c. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hdy.{William Hardy} c. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/KT. 21.2.33. XH653a. BENSPORT. This car has now covered 3463 miles in all, and 2262 miles on the present continental trip. Included in the preliminary 1200 miles were a number of tests on Brooklands where the car was driven 'all out' for considerable periods. The continental running embraced a considerable portion of the St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} Gotard Pass, giving opportunities of continuous gear work, and of observing steering, lock and road holding characteristics. Also petrol and oil consumption under give and take conditions of normal touring. The brakes were used in the ordinary manner to permit of high average speeds over mountainous country. In the continental running the petrol consumption averaged 13.7 m.p.g., the oil just over 1000 m.p.g. No vibrations of noises became evident other than those that were apparent when SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}, PN.{Mr Northey}, Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}, C., and Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington}, tried the car before its departure. At the conclusion of the run a careful examination was made of the car which included checking of the brake wear, clutch wear, tappet clearances, removal of the bottom half, and examination for signs of bearing disintegration, dynamo brush wear, shock absorbers, etc. As a result we can say that up to the 3500 miles run no fault has become apparent that would prevent the car being satisfactory in the hands of the public except :- (1) The silent second speed which was being tested out to the new scheme, N.Sch, will not stay in gear under full load conditions. Obviously it is possible to revert to the standard 25 HP. gear. (2) The dynamo output, whilst satisfactory when touring which includes long periods of daylight running, would probably be found inadequate for ordinary transport conditions, as the battery must be kept fully charged to ensure a start if the car is left in an unheated garage. If a lower starter ratio is used it should | ||