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).
The Autocar road test of a 37 HP 4.3-Litre Twelve-Cylinder Atalanta Saloon.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\3\ scan0040 | |
| Date | 28th April 1939 | |
| April 28th, 1939. 1104 727 The Autocar THE AUTOCAR ROAD TESTS No. 1,274.—37 h.p. 4.3-LITRE TWELVE-CYLINDER ATALANTA SALOON THERE is individuality of both appearance and design in the Atalanta, a hand-built, limited-production machine which is establishing itself as a new make. An immediate point of interest is that it is the only normal production car at present built in this country with all four wheels independently sprung. This 4.3-litre model has a well-known type of V twelve-cylinder engine. There are also 1.5- and 2-litre versions with a similar chassis. The twelve-cylinder engine, a straightforward side-valve design, is of a size that gives a really good power-to-weight ratio, total weight being moderate, and since it is not stressed to give a high power output in relation to its capacity, is pleasantly soft and easy in its running. A combination in the Atalanta of low weight, a big engine, and high gear ratios is effective. The chassis characteristics are those of a sports car, including remarkable stability and high-geared, accurate steering, an unusual feeling of safety and positiveness of control resulting, yet also it is a top gear car. Quite fierce use of the indirects can be made if wished, but there is no need to get the car more than barely moving on first and second of the three-speed box. Second and top have synchromesh, and fairly rapid changing is permitted without crashing the gears. The fact that the usual 1 in 6.25 hill was taken throughout from a 40 m.p.h. approach on top gear, about 30 being held on the main part of the gradient, indicates the top gear capabilities, and shows how little necessity arises for gear changing. Yet top is a 3.6 to 1 ratio, having a big advantage from the point of view of keeping down engine revs and thus making the higher speeds effortless. On suitable roads there is little difference in the general “feel” between 50 and 70 m.p.h. Such is the natural flexibility of the twelve-cylinder unit that even on the high top gear it is possible to run smoothly down to 10 m.p.h., and then accelerate without snatch occurring. The engine is not altogether silent mechanically, and the carburettor intake can be heard, but in a rather unusual degree it does not become appreciably noisier as speed is increased, at any rate up to about 80 m.p.h. The speedometer read 1.7 m.p.h. fast at 30, 2.0 at 40, 2.3 at 50, 3.8 at 60, and 5.1 at 70, and showed a highest reading of 102 when the maximum speed was being timed. There is an exceptional impression of skimming along on a light throttle opening with a big reserve of power, and excellent times are recorded from point to point without making car or driver work hard, and without using a speed anywhere near the available maximum. This, to a considerable extent, is due to the fast cornering possible, and to the way in which the rate is held up gradients, so that an approximately even speed is maintained. Always, of course, these factors are of far greater value for averaging purposes than bursts of high speed coupled with relatively much slower spells. DATA FOR THE DRIVER 28-4-39 37 H.P. 4.3-LITRE TWELVE-CYLINDER ATALANTA SALOON. PRICE, with two-door saloon body, £740. Tax, £27 15s. RATING: 36.3 h.p., twelve cylinders, s.v., 69.85 x 95.25 mm., 4,379 c.c. WEIGHT, without passengers, 27 cwt. 3 qr. 11 lb. LB. PER C.C.: 0.71. TYRE SIZE: 5.50 x 18in. on knock-off wire wheels. LIGHTING SET: 12-volt. Automatic voltage control. TANK CAPACITY: 22 gallons; approx. normal fuel consumption, 17-20 m.p.g. TURNING CIRCLE: (L. and R.{Sir Henry Royce}) 39ft. GROUND CLEARANCE: 7in. ACCELERATION Overall gear ratios. From steady m.p.h. of 10 to 30, 20 to 40, 30 to 50 3.60 to 1: 8.9 sec., 8.7 sec., 8.6 sec. 5.77 to 1: 6.0 sec., 5.7 sec., 5.8 sec. 10.15 to 1: 3.8 sec. From rest to 30 m.p.h. through gears: 4.8 sec. To 50 m.p.h. through gears: 10.5 sec. To 60 m.p.h. through gears: 13.7 sec. To 70 m.p.h. through gears: 21.2 sec. 25 yards of 1 in 5 gradient from rest: 5.3 sec. SPEED Mean maximum timed speed over 1/4 mile: 89.55 m.p.h. Best timed speed over 1/4 mile: 91.84 m.p.h. Speeds attainable on indirect gears (normal and maximum):— 1st: 23—38 2nd: 40—68 Speed from rest up 1 in 5 Test Hill (on 1st gear): 23.09 m.p.h. BRAKE TEST: Mean stopping distance from 30 m.p.h. (dry concrete), 31.5ft. WEATHER: Dry, warm, bright; wind light, N. Barometer: 30.40in. Performance figures for acceleration and maximum speed are the means of several runs in opposite directions, with two up. (Described in “The Autocar” of June 3rd, 1938.) [Dashboard Illustration Text]: Wiper, Petrol Reserve, Ignition, Indicators, Time, Interior Light, Reversing Light, Lights, Panel Light, Petrol Gauge Switch, Horn Control, Throttle, Strangler, Horn, Starter, Anti Dazzle, Hand Brake. [Gearbox Illustration Text]: R, 2, 4, 1, 3. D7 | ||