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).
Evaluation report on the design and components of a Packard vehicle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 127\1\ scan0210 | |
| Date | 9th May 1935 | |
| - sheet 2 - the Packard this drain pipe was fitted and was seen to be dribbling petrol after the engine was stopped. The arrangement of side valve cylinders makes it very easy to remove the cylinder heads for decarbonising, but the valve gear is otherwise apparently very inaccessible, and it is necessary to take off the whole of the induction and exhaust system to inspect it or do anything to it. Single ignition is fitted using two coils and a double breaker operating as two six-cylinder sets. This is convenient in view of the odd angle between the cylinder blocks. The clutch is a single plate and as has been noted is power operated. We are looking into applying the latter scheme to our own productions. The gearbox is a three speed with central change which should have helped them on the weight question. The axle is of the banjo type but with the casing set at a peculiar angle, and a detachable cover. We should prefer a more straightforward design. The frame is of the standard American pattern with the rear members of the cross cut away to such an extent as to make them appear ineffective. The steering box is a Marles type similar to SpectreCodename for Phantom III. It is noted that thermostatically operated shutters are retained. The bonnet can be opened from both sides simultaneously. This is rather a useful feature but not possible on our cars owing to the great depth of the bonnet sides at the rear end. The brakes were energised on the Dewandre vacuum assisted system, and there was apparently a reservoir connected to both clutch and brakes supplying some reserve after the engine had stopped. We have been tempted once or twice to consider this scheme in place of the mechanical servo, especially for a light car like the Bentley. | ||