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).
Maximum speed of the 20 HP car and the potential for a sporting version, in comparison to Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 74\4\ scan0182 | |
| Date | 9th January 1923 | |
| X4134 BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG9.1.23. RE. SPEED OF 20 HP. CAR. X788 X4134 We attach copy of report ref. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG18.8.22 of the maximum speed that has been recorded on the 20 HP. This was taken on 4-Goshawk-11 fitted with the small Hooper open body, free exhaust and 14 tooth axle. We have had in our minds that there would be a demand from Sales for a sporting type 20 HP. It was considered by R.{Sir Henry Royce} during my last visit and as pointed out in my memo. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG6.1.23, it was agreed that Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} should prepare designs for a sporting type 40/50 also a 20 HP. Although we may improve the 20 HP. with a proper body, I do not think we shall be able to beat the Bentley. The Bentley engine was designed specifically for speed. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||