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).
Confidential report on tests carried out on chassis 19 EX regarding its shock absorbers and handling.
| Identifier | Morton\M18\ img010 | |
| Date | 1st February 1933 | |
| To: "HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}". (Showrooms) Srl/Crn.1.2.33. Re: Chassis 19 EX. CONFIDENTIAL. As requested, I carried out with Mr. Roberts a certain number of tests with this chassis, the main object being to discover whether it would be possible to dispense with the Hartford shock absorbers altogether, when the chassis are fitted with the new self-adjusting shock dampers. First of all I should like to state very definitely that this chassis, with the automatic shock damper control set at the minimum position, and the Hartfords taken up to 50 lbs all round (i.e. back and front) is the most delightful car to drive and handle generally under all conditions. I, personally, have never handled a car of the heavy type, such as this, which gives one such confidence at all speeds. By this, I mean that on no occasion does the car give anxiety, and that feeling of uncertainty so often felt with the heavy type of car, has definitely been suppressed. The steering also is remarkable, being positive yet free from any abnormal reactions. Having had the occasion to try out this car over a considerable distance (from Paris to St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} Quentin), Mr. Roberts came with me on the trip, and on the return we carried out rather an interesting test, the road being very undulated and severely cambered in parts. The automatic shock dampers control was set to the minimum position, and the rear Hartfords were completely released. I drove the car at what I consider to be its utmost speed on open roads, without taking a lot of unnecessary risks, and I have pleasure in stating that it behaved beautifully. It was possible to do any amount of "snappy" work on the cambered roads and round severe bends with the utmost ease, without experiencing any feeling of uncertainty. The following day, the bits and pieces having been put back on the car, we carried out the test you are interested in, i.e. having slackened off the four Hartfords completely, thus running only on automatic shock dampers. The first very definite impression one has, I am pleased to say, is the noticeable difference in the springing, with these dampers, when they are set at the minimum and then at the maximum positions. This is most apparent. The next impression, when one begins to gather speed on the maximum position, is the difference in the steering, which seems to be "woollier", and yet to all intents and purposes remains just as positive as when the front Hartfords are taken up. | ||