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).
Test report memo on the 174-MY Hooper's Demonstration Car, Standard Long Chassis, noting disappointments with its specification.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 52\1\ Scan171 | |
| Date | 5th May 1933 | |
| EP {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} 7/HS. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 5.33. re. 174-MY. HOOPER'S DEMONSTRATION CAR. Standard Long Chassis. In testing the above chassis for acceptance, I was very disappointed, having regard to the use and specification of this car. In the first place, it is to be used for a Demonstration car and the specification also points out that it will be occasionally used on the Continent. The car is at present fitted with low rated springs and standard R-R shock absorbers. It is to be fitted with a 13 cwt. Limousine body (2 cwt. luggage) spare wheels at each side of the car, continental type engine (now standard). For speed work and special Continental use this combination seems very bad for general car controllability i.e. steering, use of brakes etc. and holding the road. This would certainly appear to be a case where the fixing of automatic loading shock absorbers, which we understand is not possible, the car should be fitted with standard Hartford shock absorbers, which can be slacked off for ordinary U.K. purposes, or tightened up for speed work and Continental use. As this car is not a short Continental type model, it is not fitted with non-resonant type silencer and therefore we are afraid certain boom troubles will exist, especially when the car is complete. We suggest the non-resonant silencer be fitted. These are not yet available, but no doubt one could be made up and fitted before the car is completed at the Coachbuilders. Engines of this type cannot be called really quiet from a valve mechanism point of view, and although we have felt this is not much a matter of concern on Continental models, we do feel it is a serious item when sweet, quiet running is definitely required. The Experimental Dept. have this matter in hand, and if possible to improve this feature prior to the car being put into service, we suggest this should be done. This confirms discussion I had with Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} the other day, and CONTD:- | ||