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).
Typed report on the comparison testing of an experimental car and a Riviera model, focusing on engine, brake, and axle performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 73\3\ scan0393 | |
| Date | 11th February 1924 | |
| COPY. Hotel Metropole Cannes. 11/2/24 C.J. In view of Hives having sent 1 or 2 levers increasing the servo effect, I am awaiting their arrival before taking the Exp: car over to R.{Sir Henry Royce}, also hourly I am expecting the car from Marseilles; then I shall take both cars to R.{Sir Henry Royce} leaving with him the Exp: to the extent he desires, and return here to carry on with the standard car. The EAC engine has been running remarkably well, no attention except new set of aviation plugs we brought with us. Its characteristics are very encouraging, barring the peculiar over-running vibration at all high speeds. Yesterday I made some comparative tests of acceleration between the Exp. car and the Riviera (H) car; and, when both started accelerating from 15 m.p.h., the greater rate of acceleration in the Exp.car was very much marked, in spite of its 15 tooth axle, the other car having 14 teeth. I will send you the respective weights later. On Monday 18th inst. I shall be moving to L'Hermitage Hotel, Monte Carlo. That will be good business, it is also better for H and I to spread our operations. The Riviera is chock-a-block, not a bed to be found anywhere. RR's at every turn. We are able to keep the 4 wheel brake system sufficiently effective to give very good impressions. No one knows the bonnet contains anything different from standard and undoubtedly the appearance of a R.R. car having 4 wheel brakes fitted is causing great interest and should boost up sales. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} in his Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG8/2/24 explains that the valves of 46.PK (E.A.C.) will leave their seats at approx 75 m.p.h. That being the case we need not worry about trying to get higher road speeds without a higher axle gear-ratio. P.N. | ||