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).
The condition of a 40/50 10,000-mile production car, 12-EM, after testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\4\ Scan034 | |
| Date | 23th November 1923 | |
| "C". COPY. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. to Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} C. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}21/H23.11.23. Re 40/50 10,000 mile Production Car - 12-EM. With reference to the condition of this car so far as running is concerned after completing the 10,000 miles test, the following are points for consideration :- 1. The general condition of the chassis was very good. 2. Engine. Acceleration and power very good, and considering it had no damping device fixed was quite good for absence of vibration. There was, however, a distinct engine roughness at about 25 to 30 m.p.h. and is a feature which would normally be complained of by Sales Dept. as not being satisfactory for a Trials Car. Engine suffered from a certain amount of thudding, which is one of our general complaints. There was also a certain amount of exhaust noise in the engine which appeared to be due to the exhaust blowing past the exhaust valve stems. The engine as regards noise was quite good and was certainly good for slow running on battery ignition. The magneto, however, was very noisy, and is a feature which required investigation as one which we feel will give similar trouble on cars in customers' hands. 3. Gear-box. The third gear was exceptionally good. First and second gear were also good and the side shaft also very good, although has slight signs of bubbling. There was also a knock from the side shaft which came on occasionally, which is a trouble we experience on our standard 40/50 gear box. 4. Axle. This was quite good. The chief noise appeared to be from the tyres. There was also a certain amount of grunting, which we also experience in the standard car, especially when fitted with finished body, known as the "Pomeroy Burton" vibration. 5. Foot-brake. This was not very efficient, and would be condemned by Sales Dept. as not being satisfactory. I should call the foot brake "Good" only. 6. Dynamo. There was a slight sing from the dynamo. 7. Wheels. There were a certain number of loose spokes in the road wheels. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||