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 report on experimental car 19 EX, detailing its performance, handling, and engine characteristics.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65a\3\ scan0001 | |
| Date | 24th May 1929 | |
| In this memo the chassis Nos are incorrect:- viz: for 21EX read 19EX. " " 23EX read 21EX. " " 12GIV read 14GIV Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}..from PN.{Mr Northey} Copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X7770 PN.{Mr Northey}2/WT24.5.29. Chassis No. 19 EX X5770 Seen by 29/5/29 This is the experimental car in respect of which a Standardisation Sheet is desired to be signed by all those concerned as representing as near as possible what the Works are setting out to manufacture. I have as arranged, during the last few days over Whitsun, tested this car in the neighbourhood of Eastbourne with the co-operation, to some extent, of Mr. Grylls, the car being most carefully kept from observation as far as feasible and under lock and key in a private garage away from the town. In most important respects the car has functioned very well, and if we are able to produce consistently cars giving its performance we shall have accomplished our main object. I have of course not been concerned with any question of wear and tear. This car has run admirably it has been delightful to control, the steering on the chassis is the best steering that I have ever found on a Rolls-Royce car, the flexibility and acceleration on direct drive are remarkably good but on third gear I had a distinct feeling of disappointment that the acceleration appeared not to be proportionately larger. In other words the acceleration on third gear did not call for special admiration whereas on top gear one could not help being struck by it. Up to a speed of 60 m.p.h. the engine is smoother and pleasanter than the ordinary "Phantom". Over this speed the engine becomes progressively rougher, although the degree of roughness never becomes excessive. There is meanwhile an unpleasant amount of over-run vibration but this also never becomes excessive. I do not consider that the roughness referred to over 60 m.p.h. is of very great importance because at such speeds many contributory noises and road vibrations give one an impression of roughness in any case which cannot be separated easily from engine characteristics. The springing and shock absorber control on this car were excellent, and careful note of the setting both of the shock absorbers and also exact data in respect of the steering gear should be recorded in order to be able to reproduce these as far as possible. | ||