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 the results of final trials on car number 44-PK.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 69\3\ scan0067 | |
| Date | 2nd February 1925 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from BJ. Copies to CJ. PN.{Mr Northey} GWB. CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} WGR. Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} Re Car No. 44-PK. SECRET. Unfortunately most of us did not receive Hsl/LG - 30.1.25 until Monday morning, after we had tested this car, but to-day LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott}, PN.{Mr Northey}, CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}, GWB. and BJ. made final trials of the car with the following result:- 1. EXHAUST. Considerably more noisy than our demonstration landaulet which we tried at the same time. Customers are likely to complain, and it is disappointing to have to issue Rolls-Royce cars that make so much noise, which can be heard both in the car and by persons in the street. This all gives a bad impression. If, however, it means new design and delay in production, we agree that the first cars might have this present exhaust, but this should be made quieter as quickly as possible. 2. EXHAUST CUTOUT. Satisfactory. 3. RADIATOR SHUTTER CONTROL. The present arrangement could be used, rather than stop production for new design, but an indicator should be fitted on the dashboard marked in numbers to show how far the shutters are open. At present the knob gives no indication whether they are fully open or fully shut. The knob is also likely to be pushed about by people's greatcoats when getting in and out of the car. The sooner the arrangement is altered, the better. 4. CLUTCH PEDAL. The pressure is still heavy. we note this has not been altered. 5. CLUTCH BRAKE was inoperative when the engine was hot. The clutch still has a tendency to jagger under certain conditions. 6. THROTTLE GOVERNOR. The improvement is considered to be satisfactory for the present. 7. AXLE. We prefer the 15-tooth axle, although it is possible that some customers may eventually require a 14-tooth with very heavy bodies. We must of course demonstrate to customers with the same type of axle and chassis generally that we shall supply to them. 8. ROAD SPRINGS. The springing altogether was stiff, and made the car rough, although considerable improvement was obtained by fitting a standard cushion to the back seat, easing the shock-absorbers and reducing the tyre pressures. It is appreciated | ||