A conventional chassis carrying
a two-cylinder engine of some 1,800 cc
capacity.
Carburation was effected by a Krebs
carburettor of French design. One modification on the
carburettor made sure that when
idling the revs went down only so far, so that the engine
continued to run smoothly. Oiling
of vital parts was planned throroughly.
The highest precision and lowest
tolerances in fitting the engine minimised mechanical wear and noise.
A silencer was provided of dimensions
sufficient to reduce the exhaust noise to a nearly inaudible rustle.
These precautions, in conjunction
with the usual standard set for other products of the company - i.e.
to accept only the best material
and uncompromised craftsmanship - resulted in the very first
outing of the new motor car being
entirely successful.This first drive was from
the factory to Royce's
home and back, a distance of some
15 miles. The day was 1 April. Subsequently,
all statements relating to this
event referred to 31 March as being the date - to prevent any chance
of its becoming associated with
April Fool's Day.
Two other cars were finished at
the same time One of these was handed over to
Ernest Claremont and the other
to a major share-holder of Royce Ltd., Henry Edmunds,
who also ranked as a director of
the company. Edmunds' widespread business interests also
included a connection with the
Parsons Non Skid Tyre Company and this company was keen
to take part in a test organised
by the Automobile Club of Great Britain. The test set out to check
if and how tyres and accessories
could improve roadholding and stability of the motor car.
Henry Edmunds persuaded Henry Royce
to use the first Royce 10 hp in the Parsons' test -
and they were awarded second prize.
Their device was similar to modern snow chains,
being specially designed chains
that wrapped around the tyres.
It was no mean feat for the Royce
10 hp to behave splendidly in a trial only two weeks after
leaving the factory. However, it
was on this event that first contact was made with a leading
member of the Automobile Club of
Great Britain and Ireland, Charles Stewart Rolls.
