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).
Trial run findings, including petrol consumption, rear axle issues, ride quality and potential improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\3\ scan0007 | |
| Date | 16th October 1935 | |
| -3- PETROL CONSUMPTION. On our trial runs which were mainly in and around Paris, the petrol consumption was about 7 miles per gallon. It is hoped that this will be improved on. Rear AXLE Another matter which requires attention, is the shuddering and chattering of the back axle when the brakes are applied with efficiency when the ride control is on the minimum position. This is particularly noticeable on uneven pavé roads. In my opinion this was very pronounced on 33-EX, and might lead to an accident. Before concluding the chapter dealing with the disadvantages apparent on this car, I would like to say that unless some really vast improvement is forthcoming as far as the gear-box is concerned, we have undoubtedly made a move backwards in this direction. Apart from the matters referred to, which I feel certain will all be put right very shortly, the car has met with the approval of practically all the people who have tried it. The riding in the back seats has been remarked upon by all and sundry and found splendid. Furthermore, the road-holding and stability of the car are in my opinion, also in the opinion of our numerous customers, the last word. These advantages will, I feel sure, off-set to a great extent, the peak speed, which many customers have complained of, also the apparent lack of acceleration, to which some customers have alluded. By this, I mean that as soon as there are sufficient cars running about in this country to enable people handling them, to realise what the car is really capable of under all circumstances, this car will meet with success on the Continent. I will not encroach upon the question of servicing these chassis, as it is to be hoped that by the time they are delivered, ways and means will have been worked out to facilitate what appears to be rather a difficult task. It would appear unnecessary for me in this report to mention criticisms I have heard made in connection with certain coachwork items such as the bonnet having a too pronounced slant upwards from the radiator to the windscreen. This was remarked upon principally by various coachbuilders. | ||