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).
Vehicle test report page detailing performance characteristics, issues, and comparisons with other vehicles.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\T\November1928\ Scan024 | |
| Date | 3rd November 1928 guessed | |
| contd :- -3- Auto ignition advance was fitted. The car could be made to detonate at full torque low speed. There was no torque reaction or indication at any speed that the car had been driven hard for 2000 miles. (4) Gearbox. Very silent for this type of car. Obviously ground gears. Ridiculously easy gear change. A very small fly wheel is fitted to the car with a small dia. multi-plate clutch (5 plates approx.) The objectionable features were :- (1) Exhaust boom pronounced at certain speeds. (2) Brakes not very progressive or well equalised. Too much on the front and no torque control on the front axle. In consequence steering affected under violent application. (3) Steering not good enough for the car. They have a very wide front track to give stability and a narrow frame to give a good lock. Consequently the axle seems to criss cross excessively. No self centering. Lacks selectivity a little. Summarising the car : With a better exhaust system and Rolls-Royce steering and brakes coupled with an improved low speed torque and more room in the front seats, the 1 1/2 litre Alfa Romeo would be an ideal owner-drivers car, very considerably in advance of anything we we have previously tried. Mr. Summers own views are : The Phantom is too big for an owner driver in England but ideal for Continental work. He uses his exclusively for contd :- | ||