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).
Performance tests conducted on the Montlhéry track, detailing lap speeds, acceleration, and engine temperatures.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 1\4\ B001_X 100a-page126 | |
| Date | 9th December 1932 | |
| Please note & return 84057 To Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} From G.W.H. By J Seemz Hotel de France, Chateauroux, FRANCE. E.H.R.II. 9.12.32. STAMP: RECEIVED STAMP: 12 DEC 1932 We carried out tests on the Montlhéry track yesterday with four passengers in the car. The lap speeds averaged 66.14 m.p.h. A high wind was blowing against the car on one side of the track. The highest lap speed was 66.9 m.p.h. This was with the ignition set to 20° full advance on the control lever. We advanced this to 25° and our highest lap speed was then 68.8 m.p.h., the average lap speed was 68.06 m.p.h. The highest speedometer reading, which is not far out, was 74 m.p.h. On the road we have had 79 m.p.h. The following are the acceleration figures, but the weak spot in the carburation definitely spoiled the results. 10 - 70 m.p.h. top gear. Average 1 min. 12.8 secs. Average distance to obtain this speed was .98 of a mile. From a standing start using the gears to 70 m.p.h. the average time was 1 min. 9 secs. Distance 1 mile. The flat spot entirely defeated this test, as it is more pronounced on third gear than on direct. Air Temp. 5°C. Oil Temp. Average 106.5°C Water Temp. 77.4°C average. We were able to substantiate your results with the cooler water with the following tests. 3 laps. Shutters Normal. Max. Speed. Air. Oil. Water. 70 m.p.h. 5°C 110°C 77°C The engine was fairly free after this run. Shutters fixed open. Max. Speed. Air. Oil. Water. 71 m.p.h. 5°C 108°C 60°C The engine was noticeably stiffer after this run. We tested the following sparking plugs:- | ||