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).
Performance of a car with a Hawk aero engine and suggestions for improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 183\M22\ img070 | |
| Date | 26th September 1920 | |
| Contd. -3- nearly I found R.R. Cars, all in the country travelling at higher speds than we usually supposed judging by the slow and silent way they are mostly driven in towns and villages. X. 108. So far, the Hawk aero engine with its overhead valves cannot be considered as satisfactory, even as imagined for car work, being too noisy and not running nicely enough unloaded at slow speed. The car, which was fitted with Dunlop magnums rode exceedingly well on the road, permitting of very high speed with confidence. I had it going over 75 by the speedometer, but it was not a true R.R. car and I was pleased after a couple of days experience to get my restful 1.EX back, with which one seemed to have much confidence, especially in traffic. In conclusion, as per my telegram I felt great efforts should be made (to meet the America situation) to fit thin leaf springs, and shock absorbers to the back axle, and at an early date improvements in the electrical installation with regard to the wiring and switch and distribution board. You will understand that much friction in the springing and friction dampers, spoils the effect of perfect slow speed travelling we were aiming for, and had obtained under suitable condition of tyre and roads, but since these conditions are not available we are driven to meet such conditions that are. Believe me, Yours ever, Sgd. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||