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).
Test drive report and review of a V8 Cadillac 1936 Model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\1\ scan0292 | |
| Date | 10th January 1936 | |
| X 1052 GRY.{Shadwell Grylls} S/W: C. " Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} re- V8 Cadillac 1936 Model. We had an opportunity of trying the V 8-cylinder Cadillac yesterday over our usual route from London on the Great North Road. This was the 75 model, 3½ bore x 4½ stroke, 39.2 h.p. R.A.C. rating. We tried it principally to see what sort of impressions were gained by riding behind an 8-cylinder engine of the Vee type, and I think I can say that on the whole the engine, and car generally, gave a very good account of itself. It was a quieter, smoother and infinitely nicer car to drive than the 12-cylinder Lincoln and costs under £1150. compared with the Lincoln £1450. It is an alarmingly good car. The engine was only noticeable at about 50-60 m.p.h. and, we are sorry to say, was definitely less obtrusive than our 12-cylinder as represented by 35-EX. I think it is as nice an American car as I have ever handled, taking all circumstances into consideration. The big 16 Cadillac is of course better in some respects but it is such an enormous car to drive that the V8 was much better from that point of view. The steering was very light, entirely free from road shocks, self centred extremely well, but was very low geared - as low as anything I remember. The gears were very silent, particularly the second speed, and the s/m worked very well for an American car. With slow changes no noise whatever was apparent. The car rode well, although we never went on any really bad roads, but there was a big throw up over our special humpback bridge just off our test route, which at 30 m.p.h. caused the driver - who was sitting behind - to hit the roof with his head. The engine when idling with the car standing was (contd- | ||