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).
Layout of the Wraith chassis and the need to improve comfort to replace the 25 HP model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\6\ 06-page038 | |
| Date | 21th October 1935 | |
| X-4054 60- To Ag. From HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Mor. c. to O.{Mr Oldham} c. to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to S. c. to Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} No.1/WJ.21.10.35. WRAITH CHASSIS. It is certain that the layout of the Wraith chassis up to date is not going to provide us with a car which will be satisfactory for sale to replace the present 25 HP. On the modern motor car the degree of silence and smoothness which is now obtained on medium priced cars leaves little to be desired in that direction. The next step forward must be, and will be, for greater comfort. In a lot of our recent moves we have handicapped ourselves in obtaining the maximum comfort, on the 25 HP. the rear seating position is farther back over the axle than it was a few years ago. On Phantom lll we have handicapped ourselves by not pushing the rear seats forward instead of shortening the chassis. If it is accepted that comfort is of first importance then a design should be got out to allow for this. Lde It is certain that the difference in riding between your 4h HP. car and Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}'s. 25 HP. car is due to the position of the rear seats. There has been continuous work to try and improve the riding on Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}'s. car and it has failed. We are now modifying the road springs but we know that with this compromise we shall make the car worse in other directions. We attach herewith No/Ps.20/W.18.10.35. Appendix Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Path.7/W.18.10.35. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/les.21/W.18.10.35. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||