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).
Work on Mr. Fairey's car (34-GN) to address complaints and test modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\3\ Scan378 | |
| Date | 20th February 1932 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to PN.{Mr Northey} c. to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} Y4117 Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}10/MJ.20.2.32. MR. FAIREY'S CAR 34-GN. The following work is being done on this car in order to overcome the complaints raised by Mr. Fairey. BRAKES. - Mr. Fairey's car is the best test we have on brakes that we know of. It was for this reason that the last time the car was in, we fitted to it ribbed brake drums. We had cast iron drums on the rear, and high carbon steel at the front. The result of his running has shewn that the special cast iron drums are in perfect condition and the high carbon steel are badly scored. This has confirmed the results we have obtained on the experimental test. We now propose to fit the special cast iron drums to the front on Mr. Fairey's car. SERVO. - The servo on this car is being overhauled as it is not functioning properly. CLUTCH. - This was complained of slipping - it had the old type material. We are changing this to the latest material. SHOCK ABSORBERS. - We found one of the rear shock absorbers broken which was caused by the shock absorber not having been assembled properly. We are taking it up with Mr. Fairey whether anyone has had it to pieces or tried to adjust it. POWER. - This car is fitted with the present Continental Type high compression head. As Mr. Fairey does not mind running on special fuel, we are now fitting to this car a head similar to the one we have on 27-EX. We have also fitted to the car a special set of high lift rockers, these were made for experimental purposes, but w are not required now because we have a high lift camshaft. We also propose knocking two baffles out of the silencer as we have on 27-EX. We think this might help Mr. Fairey, as we see he was summoned the other day for making too much noise, running with cut-out open. If, when we try this car, we think the increase in power is sufficiently interesting it might be worth while for PN.{Mr Northey} to try it against your standard Continental model as the modifications could easily be incorporated on a standard car. | ||