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).
From Châteauroux detailing issues with vehicle vibration, torque reaction, and a failing exhaust manifold during testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\2\ 02-page027 | |
| Date | 1st January 1929 | |
| To: Mr. Derby From: I.W.H. Hôtel de France, Châteauroux, Indre. January 1st. 1929 We have tried the solid anchorage on the rear of the gear box. We cannot appreciate any improvement or otherwise in the torque reaction. Re the 20-HP Briggs and Platford are very definite 10/6 that the uselessness of the test over here with the car in its present condition. The jellying of the front, and the fact that we cannot open full out, is very evident. The rear is affected by the front, and from a point of view of standardising the car from the results of this one is hopeless. We want quickly some method of staying the front and improved damping. We have wired you to-day for a new exhaust manifold for the S.32. The man we brought out has almost burnt through and the flange at the bottom has become unbrazed. We have taken the lagging off, but are in trouble from the heat of the pipes burning the ignition wires. We can smell the rubber immediately we do any speed. The aluminium deposit has entirely disappeared, and from this test it would appear to be not a success with a pipe that is lagged, which becomes red hot as the exhaust manifold does. We should like an exhaust manifold made with thicker gauge tubes to try on our next car over here. Also the bottom joint to be cast if possible. I.W.H. | ||