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).
Secret memorandum detailing a test run and modifications for the 'V' series advance model car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 69\2\ scan0233 | |
| Date | 3rd December 1924 | |
| X. 8770 To CJ. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} S E C R E T. R1/M3.12.24. c. to BJ. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.A.C. RE. ADVANCE MODEL FOR 'V' SERIES. The car brought here by HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} yesterday (2.12.24) appeared to be satisfactory, though not quite so good as the same car was on its last visit as regards transmission vibration, because we have been obliged to abandon the fabric coupling owing to the use of the gearbox starter. The foot acceleration had more gradual control of the throttle. This is a distinct advantage, rendering it easy to open the throttle by the foot much more gradually, and avoiding the engine snatching at the transmission. There was also a slight modification to the governor control over the throttle, and we think we have now achieved with a butterfly throttle all the advantages we had with the piston throttle, the butterfly throttle being superior for power and non-liability to stick. In pottering this engine seemed no more re-liable to stop than the 40/50 HP. We expect however that we shall not get quite so good slow speed running as we have done in the past with the engine having valves in the pocket. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} points out however that the slow running may be consistent through the life of the car, because we shall not be troubled with leaky valve stems. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} did a remarkable run here considering the wet state of the roads and the darkness at night, as he travelled between Derby and Chichester from 5.30 in the evening until 11 o'c at night. Such a journey could only be done with good lights, and good brakes, and rapid acceleration. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||