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).
Page 2 of a road test report on an Oldsmobile, detailing handling, steering, and comfort.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\1\ scan0039 | |
| Date | 10th September 1937 guessed | |
| - 2 - The car was loaded up with 4 passengers, a full boot of luggage and trunk on an overhanging grid in a manner likely to spoil its handling, but curiously enough it did not appear to make much perceptible difference whether the luggage was on or not. Manoeuvring the Oldsmobile is very easy owing to the small turning circle and the ease with which the front wheels can be turned from lock to lock with the car standing, but the steering is somewhat low geared and spongy for continental roads and takes a lot of attention in driving. The car in fact is liable to dive about unless corrected but on wide flat roads such as abound in U.S.A. and on the autostrada no criticism can be offered unless there is a side or cross wind. Our own productions are far less affected in this way. The vigorous blowing of the "Mistral" across the Southern plain of France kept the driver busy. Driving visibility as on many American cars is not too good but is of more importance on narrow winding roads such as the Dolomite passes. All the latest types of continental cars encountered have very definitely excellent driving vision. The suspension of the car was very comfortable over long stretches of rough road at reduced speed, and on good main highways, but on wavy surfaces there was a tendency to get into a vertical swing which never however seemed to get worse and could often be checked by momentarily closing the throttle. Stability against rolling was quite good. The pedal reach relative to the steering wheel is inadequate on the Oldsmobile and is awkward for quick action, but this appears to be a feature of all American cars. A point that was much appreciated on a long tour was the spacious and comfortable interior of the coachwork and the provision for ventilation, front and rear. This latter worked excellently and was satisfactory under the hottest conditions experienced. The luggage boot is also more commodious than any seen on English coachwork in spite of including the spare | ||