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 test of the Spectre and Bentley models on the Stelvio Pass, investigating a petrol supply and engine restarting issue.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\5\ scan0050 | |
| Date | 2nd September 1935 | |
| B-56-BN{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} To H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c.c. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c.c. to WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c.c. to EY. c.c. to EX. Test of the SpectreCodename for Phantom III & Bentley on the Stelvio. In view of the trouble which we experienced on the Stelvio in our preliminary test on the SpectreCodename for Phantom III in June, it was decided that the test ought to be repeated on the car now that Hancock has made various improvements to the petrol system, and also that a test could with advantage be carried out on the Bentley. SPECTRECodename for Phantom III. After its 15,000 miles' running, the SpectreCodename for Phantom III engine was not in particularly good condition, but we think was running sufficiently well to make the test on the fuel system representative. Complete sets of figures were taken from the bottom of the climb to the top of the hill, which Hancock will be circulating in due course. Briefly, however, the results showed that while the car could climb the pass quite satisfactorily without any trouble with the petrol supply, after it had been allowed to stand at the top for 10 minutes or so it was impossible to re-start until the engine had cooled down. This test was repeated. At the time we attributed the trouble to the carburetters being tucked away in the Vee of the engine and therefore getting hotter than those fitted to the Cadillac or other cars; on further consideration, however, we think there may be another explanation, and attach a copy of a note we have written to Hancock asking him to make some tests. | ||