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).
Secret memo detailing test results and observed issues for car 44-PK 'V' Series.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 69\3\ scan0123 | |
| Date | 9th March 1925 | |
| S E C R E T. B.J. CWB16/LH{Mr Haworth}9.3.25. E.A.C. - 'V' SERIES. - 44-PK. - As a result of testing this car on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday last, I did not find very much improvement since the last time we had it about a fortnight ago, when you will remember it was only criticised on minor points. As regards the matters raised in Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG2.3.25. - (1) The Steering is very stiff. This is unquestionably very much improved but there is still increased stiffness towards the very end of the range of the steering lock on both sides. In the centre it is rather free, and it is thought that the addition of a little more friction would improve matters, as tending to free the hands and arms from the somewhat vigorous jars which are transmitted back at present. [Handwritten note: Not stop deliveries, but hope to get better before delivery] (2) Explosions in Exhaust. There is no improvement in this respect. Descending a long hill with the engine over-running produces a regular series of loud spits from the exhaust, and every effort should be made to improve this. [Handwritten note: Would cause complaints from customers.] (3) Very Noisy Exhaust. The exhaust is still distinctly noisier than the 40/50 and if possible this should be reduced. [Handwritten note: Same as last.] (4) Engine Vibration at slow speed rather excessive. This has been definitely improved and is now only apparent in aggravated circumstances and then only over a very short range from 16 to 17 m.p.h. In this car this is considered passable, but the matter should be closely watched and studied so that it does not grow more acute and give trouble in production. [Handwritten note: Ditto.] (5) Footbrake in-operative. This brake was very poor. It may have been due to a large amount of oil which had got into the front brake drums, and certainly washing these out with petrol made some improvement, but from the action of the brakes it was felt that it was the servo which was ineffective and that the frictional drag from there was not what it should have been. [Handwritten note: Understand this can be made O.K.] | ||