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 modifications, covering brakes, appearance, ergonomics, and gearing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 69\3\ scan0028 | |
| Date | 19th January 1925 guessed | |
| - 4 - (4) BRAKES. (Contd.) (2) ... still excessive; it is understood that this will be modified in "V" series. (3) The gear box and gear levers in this car are "U" series standard, and were quite satisfactory. The combination of this with the clutch was found to be quite satisfactory and gear changing up and down was easy and comfortable at all speeds. As regards general appearance the same criticisms apply as were made on 93-NK with the addition that, viewed from the outside, the driver and the steering wheel appear to be very much up in the air. From measurements made by HO. and myself, the relative positions of the bottom of the steering wheel, the pedals and the driver are exactly the same as with the present 40/50 chassis with "B" steering, but owing to the steering box being moved considerably forward, thus giving a greater rake to the steering column and, to the larger diameter of wheel, very much more of the steering column and wheel can be seen through the windscreen. It is understood that in the original designs of this car the dash was raised 2 1/2" so that the bottom of the windscreen would have been raised 2 1/2" or more, which would have taken away from this effect. The present proposal is to raise the dash, and presumably also the bottom edge of the windscreen, only 3/8", which will not have much effect. Certainly with the seat in the present position the driver looks well down on to both front wings, and with the seat lowered 2" would still have an excellent view of both wings. At the same time, the wheel could be 1 1/2" or 2" nearer to the driver and 1" lower, whilst maintaining the present seat. If therefore it is decided to adhere to the 3/8" only lift in the dash and scuttle, it is suggested that the seat be dropped 2" and that the bottom of the wheel be dropped 3" and brought 2" nearer to the driver. This would materially lower the wheel and it is not thought that it would introduce any other disadvantages. CWB. P.S. The gear ratio of this car (14/52 bevels) is considered unnecessarily low & even with a body of this size & weight, from previous experience, the 15/52 gear is considered preferable. | ||