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).
Short road test and evaluation of a 4½ Litre Lagonda vehicle, comparing it to a Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\1\ scan0156 | |
| Date | 10th October 1933 | |
| To Wox. From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} X3531 C. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. Dy.{F R Danby} Dr. C. Idy. ITL C. Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}1/RT.10.10.33. 4½ LITRE LAGONDA We were able to have a short run on this car in London and on the Barnet bye-pass. The car tried was the original experimental open four-seater weighing 31 cwt. The only difference between this car and production ones is that the latter will have Dewandre brakes. These are needed as although the brakes were very good (60% in front) a large pedal effort was required. The steering was light, positive and self centred. The engine has push-rod operated overhead valves, two S.U. carburettors, ignition by coil and magneto. The aluminium crankcase was held to the frame by four rubber insulated feet. The gearbox is a unit construction and has a constant mesh 3rd gear. The car is geared very high, 3000 r.p.m. at 80 m.p.h; maximum engine revs 3800. On the road the chief point of interest was the acceleration. Up to 20 m.p.h. the engine is rough and the acceleration not as good as our Bentley. Above that speed it was exceptionally good. At maximum revs on the indirect gears the engine was smooth and quiet. The road holding was good but the suspension was rather harsh in spite of the Andre Telecontrol dampers. For about £800 we consider this a very attractive car with a performance equal to and possibly better than our 3½ litre Bentley. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} | ||