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).
Car performance issues including springing, groans, and booms following customer feedback.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\3\ Scan208 | |
| Date | 21th September 1931 | |
| 84117 H/S PR.{Percy H. Rose} Ch.H. Hor. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} JLF/Britten-Hall. RECEIVED 21 SEP 1931 EPB/H21.9.31. TGPs-1. Mrs. McAdam. With reference to your PN{Mr Northey}12/WT18.9.31. and further to Hd{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}9/MW19.9.31. Some considerable time has been spent with the above car in carefully going into the faults and possible complaints as per report received. SPRINGING. Unfortunately I did not try this car before the springs were changed, but since the springs were changed I have no hesitation in saying that for smoothness and absence of jars it is certainly very good. I consider this is the best car I have tried where maximum advantage of low-rated springs with the minimum disadvantages has been obtained. I rather put this down to the low C.G. of the body and passengers. In improving the seating as you suggest, this point should be considered. GROANS & NOISY CAR The groan period was certainly very bad and we could appreciate the customer's complaint. We can also understand the customer's reticence in putting this noise down to the tyres. Our demonstration, however, definitely proved that this was the case, and this demonstration must be made to the customer to prove this point. From a chassis point of view we have not found the difference great, but have submitted to the Experimental Dept. that one must realise the difference caused by low tyre pressures, close fitting wings, and a possible boomy body - conditions which, unfortunately, we have to face. BOOMS. ETC. It is considered that the customer's complaint in this respect is chiefly groans mentioned above. Considering the boomy nature of the body, the booms generally are not at all bad. The only noticeable one takes place at the torque reaction period. We have been through the complete range of torque reaction adjustment and have obtained the best compromise, and it is quite up to standard. We cannot at this stage recommend any divergences from the standard engine mounting, etc. Your suggested attention to the body in this respect may obtain some improvement, but this is very doubtful. CONTD:- | ||