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).
Vehicle weight reduction, performance improvements, and comparisons between different chassis models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 92\2\ scan0172 | |
| Date | 24th September 1929 guessed | |
| -2- 26-EX 47 cwt. 3 qrs. 31-GX 43 " 1 qr. 20-MY 48 cwt. 31-GX was interesting as demonstrating how a reduction in overall weight obtained entirely by cutting coachwork weights accounted for a very definite improvement in acceleration, but this improvement was not justified being obtained in this manner, for the body on this car was entirely very unsatisfactory in many respects, the windows were made to slide instead of disappearing into the doors, and there was no sunshine roof fitted etc. I am aware that the axle ratio is a bit higher now i.e. 12/41 teeth compared with the previous 11/41, but against this the wheel diameters are less, and consequently there is not very much nett increase in gear ratios. There is no doubt of course that the 40/50 H.P. chassis has gradually become distressingly heavy, and having regard to the fact that many months must elapse before we can offer anything markedly different to the Public, I feel that every effort should be made to reduce the weight which has apparently increased during the last twelve months by approximately 112 lbs. It would be helpful to have your remarks on this matter because obviously we must be in the position to convince people that the present 40/50 h.p. chassis with the latest carburetter is capable of giving a considerably better performance than in the case of say 26-EX. Certainly I should hope better acceleration might be expected and speeds over 20 m.p.h., and a higher maximum speed in addition, but I note that it is stated in the "Motor Sport" article that a speed of 93 m.p.h. was obtained on 31-GX with the old carburetter. I should be glad if you would please return the two reprints to this office, as we cannot obtain others. PN{Mr Northey} | ||