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).
Road test report detailing multiple mechanical and coachwork faults on a Phantom II.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\1\ scan0072 | |
| Date | 16th September 1935 | |
| -2- Cxl/KW16.9.35. accustomed. Top gear engagement could easily make a noise unless much time is taken over the change. 9 Our journey to London was at very moderate speeds on account of traffic but after 63 miles the hand brake shoes on both sides seized up and brought the car to a stand-still. They were both very hot and smoking badly, and after cooling off were slacked away by Lewis and we had no further troubles. Lewis attributes this to our having a full load on the return journey and only a light load on the outward journey. 10 The engine was rather stubborn in starting up after this halt. 11 The chunking in the drive was very noticeable on this journey from Bournemouth to London, and this, coupled with the other defects mentioned in the foregoing, gives me the impression that whilst the Works can undoubtedly overcome these troubles, they want more time. How much time of course it is impossible for me to say, but I think we should be premature in sending the car to Paris or using it for demonstration work unless these defects are remedied. As it is at present I am afraid the owner of a good Phantom II, particularly an owner who does not drive himself, would find it in many respects a less pleasing car to ride in than his own. 12 Re body, there are one or two points to which the Coachbuilder's attention must be drawn, and this is being done. 13 The sliding roof rattled, even when shut. This we traced to the rear end. 14 The luggage platform at the back had no provision whatever for securing luggage to it. We had to purchase and fix some staples for straps. 15 The boot at the back is boxed in at the sides and is losing a lot of valuable space thereby. It is so narrow now that it would not even take a bag of golf clubs. (contd) | ||