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).
The speedometer accuracy, maximum speed, and engine characteristics of an Essex Terraplane Six following a test at Brooklands.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 21\6\ Scan148 | |
Date | 17th April 1934 | |
x4217 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} re Essex Terraplane Six. [REDACTED] With further reference to my letter of yesterday Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}2/E16.4.34 En. has been down to Brooklands and checked the speedometer which is optimistic to the following extent: Speed Indicator. Correct Speed. 50 45.9 60 55 70 63.3 80 72 He says the maximum speed under favourable conditions should be about 74/75 m.p.h. I understand from him that the engine is a long stroke 76 m.m. by 127 m.m. as compared with the 20/25 RR of 82.5 m.m. by 114 m.m., which one has always understood tends to produce a rough engine. The crankshaft has only three bearings so that one feels that the engine has features which should make it rough, yet it appears smooth due, as one believes, to the rubber mounting. The other point which is exceptionally good is the steadiness of the front end of the car, i.e. wings, lamps and radiator being free from dither and the frame free from any jellying symptoms. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} | ||