Rolls-Royce 10hp 2 cylinder: (1904-1906)
Model : 2-cylinder
Year : 1904-1905 (3 1/4" bore) 1906 (3 15/16" bore)
Stroke : 5"
c.c. : 1904 - 1905 (1,800) 1906 (2,000)
h.p. : 10
Clutch : Leather - lined cone type
Gearbox : Three-speed
Final Drive : Fully-floating live axel. Spur-type gears.
Suspension : Semi-eliptic
Brakes : Transmission foot brake. Handbrake operates on rear wheels
Wheelbase: 6' 3" (early) 8' 1" (late)
Track : 4' 0"
Number made : 3 Royce, 16 Rolls-Royce
Chassis cost: £395
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.
