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).
Twisted front axle (G.111 type) following a high-speed driving and braking incident.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5\3\ 03-page182 | |
| Date | 16th September 1925 | |
| EXPERIMENTAL REPORT Expl. No. REF. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/TWW/LG16.9.25. REPORT ON A FRONT AXLE (G.111 TYPE) HANDED TO US BY TEST DEPT. HAVING THE NEAR SIDE TWISTED. The chassis was being driven at a fast rate round a slight right-hand bend, in the centre of the road which is well but not excessively cambered - perfectly dry - tarred once but very little remaining - no traffic. To reduce the speed a little the driver applied his foot brake slightly but sharply, when the chassis took a dive to the left. Here is situated a steep bank rising abruptly from the road without a footpath or a ditch intervening. To avoid this he applied maximum pressure to foot brake, keeping it there until chassis was stationary; at the same time swinging the steering to the right. The steering here took charge, knocking the wheel out of his hands and slamming over to the limit right-hand lock. The chassis then skidded obliquely towards the bank (probably helped by the camber) with all the road wheels locked - the rear by the brakes; the front by the combined action of brakes and their angular position to bank after skidding 5 yds. The near side front tyre struck the foot of bank, not violently, but sufficient to straighten up the front of chassis which came to rest 2 ft. 6 ins. after striking. Although, as stated, the impact was not violent, it can be confidently asserted, having regard to all the circumstances at the time it happened viz :- The existing strain on the pivot arm due to the heavy braking, the added strain to same of the oblique skid, contd :- | ||