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).
Secret memo on experimental tests for the E.A.C-3 chassis, detailing modifications for 4-wheel brakes and recommending further testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 73\2\ scan0030 | |
| Date | 5th October 1923 | |
| To BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} SECRET E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} A.{Mr Adams} C.3 X9940 We have gone fully into the question of the experimental tests on E.A.C-3 chassis. We have assumed that E.A.C-3 cars will be in production by Jan. 1924 and before that time it is expected that we shall have proved and perfected the brakes and the other modifications which it is necessary to make to the chassis. It should be remembered that fitting 4-wheel brakes are to the existing 40/50 HP. car entails many alterations which are not part of the Braking system. For instance, adding front wheel brakes means practically complete new steering. Actually there will be - new front axle, steering pivots, steering levers, cross steering tube, side steering tube. It also means definite alterations to the mounting of the front springs. We shall also have the addition of radius rods. Therefore, even if the brakes are successful themselves, we may have affected the quality of the car by altering subsequent parts. The parts to be altered and very vital parts and the failure of one of them might mean a loss of life. We ought, therefore, to spare no effort in testing and proving. We recommend that we should build 6 experimental E.A.C-chassis - 2 of these chassis will be allotted to run off 10,000 miles and as many more miles as possible in France driven by experts. 1 chassis should be driven as many miles as possible by semi-skilled drivers. 1 chassis would be allotted to WW. contd:- | ||