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).
50,000-mile test run, detailing performance feedback on a vehicle's engine, gearbox, and axle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\5\ scan0011 | |
| Date | 20th January 1939 | |
| H006 To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AFM.{Anthony F. Martindale} c. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} c. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} c. GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AFM.{Anthony F. Martindale}9/WH.20.1.39. 50,000 MILES TEST. 2,648 MILES RUN ON 8.B.V. IN FRANCE. Drivers: Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AFM{Anthony F. Martindale} & Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FJH.{Fred J. Hardy - Chief Dev. Engineer} We had a very comfortable run on 8.B.V. in spite of a few troubles, most of which we put right. When we left the car it was in quite good condition and compared very favourably with 6.S.IV ('M' series Bentley) which met us at Folkestone. Remarks and criticisms of the various components are as follows:- Engine. Behaved excellently. The starting arrangements are good, but we think an improvement would be effected if the starting carburetter also opened the throttle slightly, when cold. At present this has to be done by hand. We started the car without difficulty at -5°C and allowed it to warm up with the hand throttle slightly open. The thermostat fitted was a 45° unit. The timing gears rattle slightly. The standard of freedom from pinking is good, the best petrol to use being Azur. Consumption was 14.15 m.p.g. for the whole trip. Gearbox. The overdrive is much appreciated in France. The box in most respects is out of date. Axle. We had no noise at all from the rear axle in spite of some occasional high speeds. | ||