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).
Comparative test report on various sports cars, with performance data for the Alfa Romeo engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179\2\ img173 | |
| Date | 21th January 1932 | |
| ORIGINAL To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to SS.{S. Smith} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to S. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} PN.{Mr Northey} SPORTS CARS. X3531. X3993. We have recently tried a number of sports cars. Namely, as follows :- (1) Alfa Romeo. (2) 4 1/2 Litre Invicta, supercharged. (3) 2 Litre Lagonda, supercharged, open car. (4) 2 Litre Lagonda, supercharged, closed car. (5) 16-04 Car, with improved J.1 unit and max. BHP.115. After making comparative tests on these cars, the car which stands out right above the others is our own 16-04, both for actual performance and the nice way it does it. The Alfa Romeo you tried before you went away. We have since had the engine on the test bed and although the tests are not yet completed, we have obtain the following power curve - Bar = 766 m/m.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Air Intake Temp. - 12°C. RPM. BHP. BMEP. Boost Pressure "Hg. Boost Temperature. 1000 14.5 107.8 Plus 3.75 24°C. 1500 24.4 120.8 " 6.15 30 2000 35.2 130.2 " 7.85 33 2500 45.7 135.1 " 9.32 39 3000 56.3 139.0 " 10.90 42 3500 65.1 138.0 " 11.55 44 4000 72.5 134.0 " 11.70 45 4400 76.1 128.0 " 11.80 45 The weight of the Alfa Romeo Car complete is 21 cwts. The 4 1/2 Litre Invicta is a reasonable car. Considering the size the performance is nothing outstanding. We took an interest in the Lagonda because we tried one of their covered cars fitted with a Powerplus supercharger and we must say that the supercharger was relatively quiet. It certainly made less noise than any other we have tried. The powerplus blower has been improved since we first knew it and we think it is worth while making some comparative tests with the Powerplus compared with the Rootes type fitted to the Alfa Romeo. | ||