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).
Letter providing feedback on a car's performance after a trip to Austria and Italy, with suggestions for improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\3\ scan0105 | |
| Date | 7th October 1937 | |
| Telephone: Barlaston 51. NHR/W. 261 The Manor House. Tittensor. Stoke-on-Trent. Thursday, 7th Oct.,1937. Dear Bill, I have only just completed the trip which I proposed making to Austria and Italy earlier in the year. Generally speaking it was very enjoyable, but, as usual, I came back with certain impressions about the car. First of all, if these "autobahns" are going to spread, as I think they must, then the motors we have got now are absolutely useless. We want a lot more power, infinitely better springing and probably a second top gear, or an overdrive. It seems to me to be all wrong to keep such things buzzing round at 4,000 revs. or more, when it could be done at a safer and quieter speed. We found it very distressing, when driving in the region of ninety miles an hour, for periods of half to one hour, to still keep the car ventilated. If the windows are shut it certainly does reduce the noise, and it seems to me that we shall have to drive with closed windows and some very much better form of ventilation. All excrescences on the outside of the motor will have to be removed, and it may be that some form of stream-lining will be necessary. There are one or two details on the present car which I think you can alter without difficulty and with great advantage. I give you my suggestions for what they are worth:- Cont. W.Rowbotham, Esq., Rolls-Royce, Limited, Derby. | ||