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).
The general running and performance of a car during a road test.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179b\2\ img147 | |
| Date | 18th November 1926 | |
| -3- He/Rs.{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary} 16/M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} 18.11.26. Remks. General Running of the Car. We drove the car about 300 miles over all sorts of roads. It is a delight to handle. With the shock absorbers set at 20 lbs., the road holding at speed is very good, and its cornering, in spite of the low rating springs, is excellent. Personally we found no fault with the selectivity of the steering though T.S.H. was not altogether satisfied. We think it is unreasonable to compare this small car with the Phantom and expect similar results. It is certainly infinitely more stably directionally than the Alfa Romeo which we had at the Works. For parking it is commendably light and almost entirely free from road shocks. Probably an increase of 50% in the side steering tube & ring rating, and a greater pivot lean would produce better high speed control and will be tried. There is a slight cross steering tube foul on the oil pan. The suspension is very good except at low speeds over pavé where it is too hard. It is, however a good compromise for continental conditions. The car appears to have more margin on water cooling than any we have previously turned out. The engine stands up to the thrashing it gets very well, even with the flexible skirt pistons however it seems on the light side. We shall try greater clear-ances. The oil temperature may have a bearing on it. The maximum speed of the car is about 67-68 m.p.h. in still air and 74 m.p.h. can be obtained under favourable conditions. Undoubtedly the latest camshaft will improve the top speed slightly. The clutch takes up smoothly and does not show any signs of slipping except when accelerating violently on second speed. We could detect no signs of propeller shaft periods. The Lodge k4 m.m. plugs seem satisfactory for continental conditions being on the verge of pre-ignition when run with a lean mixture. The A.L.G's are not hot enough for this unit and pre-ignite after a few miles all out. The erratic carburation has caused some sooting up. Returning to Paris we covered 100 miles in two hours. He/Rs.{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary} | ||