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).
Continental model's performance based on axle ratio tests and the urgent need for power upgrades to improve sales against competitors.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\3\ Scan323 | |
| Date | 5th June 1931 | |
| X788 To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Copy to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} PN.{Mr Northey} re Brooklands. Higher Geared Axle Ratio Tests. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}6/E5.6.31. X.788. X.1350. X.7120. You will have received the report from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} in regard to the above subject under reference Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/KT.4.6.31. I also enclose copy of report I have received from PN{Mr Northey} on the subject which I thought you would like to see although it contains much the same information as that conveyed by the report referred to. It is quite evident to me that the Continental model would be less atractive car for sale with a higher geared axle so long as we are able to offer the standard power. These reports, will, I think, show that we have been up against in connection with selling the Continental type car because the result of these tests shows, that, even with the standard axle the Continental model with the small body is very little better from a performance point of view than our long wheelbase largest type limousine with face forward seats. What we really want and want urgently for his continental model is the increase in power. I understand that the modifications to the twin carburetters to overcome the original difficulties have been made. There is also the question of the higher compression and a different camshaft. I gather that for the latter W. are waiting for a design, and I should be glad to know how soon they can have this as it seems to me that we then ought to build all these features into 27-EX (which already, I think, has the twin carburetters) so as to be able to make a complete test. The matter is really important because approximately one-third of our O/50 sales since the Continental model was announced in October last have been for this model, and this despite the disadvantages from which it has been suffering. Nearly every time we try to sell one now, we come up against its very severe competitors, i.e. the 8-litre Bentley, and although in most instances despite our lower performance we have been successful in securing the order, nevertheless with the additional performance we should be in a very much happier state. Enc. Copy of PN{Mr Northey}1/WT.-.6.31. SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} | ||