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).
Poor condition of demonstration chassis 21-MX, detailing its faults and necessary actions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\3\ Scan010 | |
| Date | 29th November 1929 | |
| S/W. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}..from PN.{Mr Northey} Copy to MP. -Or- X79501. PN.{Mr Northey}2/WT29.11.29. 21-MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} I mentioned this chassis to you yesterday - it has been used recently in connection with Sales work by FBS.{F. Bell-Scott} and he has written two notes as follow :- On 25.11.29. "I much regret to have to inform you that in my opinion the above is not in good enough condition for demonstration purposes. It is lacking in power, the steering kicks at over 40 m.p.h. - the engine is rough, and full of periods; the servo chatters badly. The pick-up, if the ignition is carefully nursed, is excellent up to 40 m.p.h. but over that it is poor." On 28.11.29. "In continuation of my FBS{F. Bell-Scott}18/LH{Mr Haworth}25.11.29, before giving trials runs in the above yesterday I cut down the L.S. jet three notches which improved the power; choking at speed must have been taking place previously. The Servo groan is now very pronounced and boom on the over-run from 60 down is very bad. Dipping is also pronounced and, in my opinion, the front shock absorbers should be given more poundage. I despatched Fisher to London with the above last evening." This will indicate to you the sort of attention this car requires before it can be useful again in connection with demonstration work. 21-MX{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} has to go to Sa. in Madrid as soon as we can have it available. Sa. expects this car to start off in about 10 days' time. We are aware that the torque reaction vibration on this car never was of desirable degree from the point of view of sales, but in view of the shortage of such cars for demonstration work we must make use of this if at all possible. It will be coming to you at once. PN.{Mr Northey} Ws [Handwritten note in left margin]: damper given repairs to shaft? [Handwritten note, right side]: 12 scuttle load on Y tube at present. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} the dimensional device. Band Material is get... & polished [Handwritten note, right side]: Dipping Front 70-80lbs Production Standard Reconstruction " " " Cromwell St Exh Sth Rear 60-75lbs (Free B) [Stamp]: RECEIVED 1929 | ||