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).
Statement defending against criticisms of the Goshawk model's chauffeur steering, citing issues with the coachbuilder's work.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\I\May1922\ Scan98 | |
| Date | 25th May 1922 | |
| To BJ. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to OJ. IHS. c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to B. PN.{Mr Northey} c. to O.{Mr Oldham} ORIGINAL. R1/M25.5.22. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} MAY 29 1922 "B" GOSHAWK - CHAUFFEUR STEERING. X3730 RECEIVED X4263 The following is a statement of our case against the criticisms of the above:- (1) Messrs Hoopers' were the authors of the original limousine (3-Goshawk 11) in which we asked for a seat 9" below the steering wheel. (2) The same limousine as taken on trial by Mr.Watson, Midland Counties Garage, etc, etc, etc, had a seat 10.5" below the wheel, which is 1.5" too low, to our drawing. (3) This seat also was badly upholstered, setting the driver's back vertical or actually forward, instead of 12° backwards as instructed by us. This was Hoopers' creation, but our inspectors did not call sufficient attention to it, and the car was taken round as a specimen of Goshawk chauffeur steering. (4) Even had it been to our drawing and instructions, we think it would not have been wonderfully good, because we had sloped the pedals and floorboard at too great an angle. (5) We arranged before I left, and on March 21st. we instructed the floorboards and pedals to be lowered, and hence moved forward, which modification would greatly relieve the ankle joint, and the knee joint slightly, (see N. sch. 1240.) (1) | ||