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).
Modifications to improve the speed and aerodynamics of the Sports Phantom model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 22\4\ Scan070 | |
| Date | 11th November 1926 | |
| To D.A. From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} C. to Sir H.R. X35588 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/LG11.11.26 SPORTS PHANTOM. X8830 X8770 With reference to R1/M9.11.26 (2). 100 M.P.H. CAR. We consider that there are a number of points on the Lorraine which might aid us in evolving this car. At the present moment we have 90 m.p.h. with 10-EX carrying no front wings or spare wheels, screen up. With flared wings and spare wheel at the back say 87 m.p.h. We are not likely to be able to obtain more than 10 additional H.P. at the outside from a Phantom engine suitable for touring. This will not increase the speed of the car very much (4 m.p.h.) unless we can materially improve its streamline properties. The two most hopeful points to attack appear to us to be the undershield of the car, and the back of the body. The Lorraine carries its spare wheel in the body, and in consequence the 'tail' makes a gentle curve upwards from the back axle. We should like to know if there is any possibility of building a sports body in the rear of which is incorporated a spare wheel carrier which makes a streamline with the tank, or alternatively, the position of the tank to be altered to produce a streamline with the body. Again, we should like to know how far R.{Sir Henry Royce} is prepared to go with the undershield: we realise that the best form of undershield is almost entirely a matter of experiment, but do not want to make pieces which would not be acceptable as a production design (lubrication difficulties). contd :- | ||