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).
Clarifying the company's philosophy on chassis design, distinguishing between luxury cars and racing machines.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\1\ Scan165 | |
| Date | 16th March 1920 | |
| To CJ. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} copy c. to BN.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to PN.{Mr Northey} R6/G16.3.20. With reference to PN{Mr Northey}'s note from the Continent, apparently we are still expected to make universal chassis. It should be clearly understood that we are not attempting to build racing machines, and especially for the present road conditions. Secondly, we do not expect our car to hold the road like a racing machine, especially when fitted with a light body, and it should be realised that the back axle is far too heavy for this purpose, as it is built to carry a very heavy body, and to run for years without developing noise. If fitted with a light body there is not enough weight to keep it down on to a bumpy road, but it will follow a smooth road. I wish everyone would accept these facts, and not write endless criticisms. Sgd. R.{Sir Henry Royce} * The load distribution is altogether wrong, the engine being too far forward, so that with light bodies there is not enough sprung weight on the back wheels. | ||