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).
Listing seven suggestions for motor car improvements following a vehicle breakdown.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\3\ scan0175 | |
| Date | 11th May 1941 | |
| Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} MOTOR CARS. I occasionally think about the above, and particularly while I was being towed home from Coventry last Sunday in 2 B 50, owing to failure of both Petrol Pumps. 1. Could we not throw away all electrical petrol pumps, and have something that works, such as is fitted on all the cheap cars. 2. In view of the failure of 30 G's. axle, it looks as if we should have to specify 12/41 as the lowest ratio for eight cylinder cars, and live in hopes, or alternatively fit the 10" Wraith crown wheel, and know that we should not have failures with any ratio. 3. The steering on 20 B 50, with fairly smooth front tyres is very heavy, and I suggest requires less backward pivot lean, or a considerably lower ratio. 4. I have never yet been in a rationalized car which has a smooth propeller shaft. What would it mean to throw away the centre bearing. 5. In view of all the gear box failures, had we not better look into a Wraith box with a servo the other side, and do away with the over-drive. I cannot remember any excuses for an over-drive except a smaller synchromesh effort on large gear boxes, and a better write up in the Motor papers for the top gear performance. 6. The tyre arrangement on most of the Experimental cars at the moment, which have Avon in front and Dunlops behind, appears to do away with all the pleasant understeer characteristics. 7. Every time I drive Lp{Mr Lappin}'s. car I get the impression that we have got plain pivot bearings. I hope this is not so, as the Wraith was a real step forward in the direction of pivots which do not tighten up. When you have got time, perhaps you would let me have your views on these suggestions. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} | ||