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).
Gearbox seizure during a 15,000-mile test on car 32-EX and outlining further testing plans.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\2\ scan0050 | |
| Date | 24th June 1937 | |
| 300a Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/R.24.6.37. 32-EX - 15,000 MILES' TEST. When this car had had the final modifications carried out on the overdrive gearbox, we experienced a seizure on the road on test. This has meant that the gear-box had to be dismantled and new parts made giving modified clearances. It is on the road again to-day, and unless we experience further trouble it will be in London on Monday of next week. We consider that it would be policy to give it a few days London traffic work before sending it to France with a view to ascertaining that the clutch we are putting on customers cars gives consistent results. We are also proposing to run it round the Track at Brooklands, so that we can anticipate any gearbox trouble which may occur in France due to high speed running. Failures on the Continent are costly as they mean much wasted time and expensive transport of replacement parts. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||