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).
Road handling issues and proposed modifications for a Trials Landaulette car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 20\2\ Scan045 | |
| Date | 23th January 1920 | |
| COPY. X.963 From PN.{Mr Northey} to CJ. c. to R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} C.R. PN{Mr Northey}5/DB{Donald Bastow - Suspensions}23.1.20. X.963 X.3461 X.3612 X.3044 X.3922 London Trials Car. In reply to your memo, attached CJ7/D22.1.20 - it is the case that no mention had been made to me by Crawford that the Trials Landaulette was extremely difficult to keep on the road and your information was therefore the first I have heard of the matter. Unfortunately, owing to this car having been in use by Lord Northcliffe since 29th. December, it has been impossible to make tests of any description until the car was available on Wednesday last, when it was driven to Derby purposely by Birkett on my instructions, in order that he could form an opinion as to the characteristics complained of, and that the Gleason Cut Axle waiting at Derby could be fitted to the car, and at the same time, provision made for fitting the new type shock absorbers, which entails cutting or grinding shorter the rear spring plates; the provision of a special tank etc. Platford also drove this car on its arrival at the Works, and from conversation I have had with Birkett each day since he went to Derby, I gather that both he and Platford have the impression that the car, when at the higher speed, is not as stable on the road as one would wish or expect. I cannot get a stronger expression of opinion than this. They both appear to think that the unstability is contributed to by the type of body and that doubtless the rear shock absorbers when fitted will make a great deal of difference, in addition to the fact that the larger tyres 150 mm. are being fitted to the front wheels, this latter point, by introducing a bit more friction will tend to prevent the steering feeling so extremely light. The steering has been minutely examined through-out and no fault whatever has been found with it. The Landaulette will be driven down from Derby to-morrow, with the new axle and larger front tyres. The shock absorbers referred to cannot be completely fitted for another fortnight; the tank has to be painted, but these will be in use as soon as possible. I will make a point of trying this car myself under varying conditions that is:- with and without shock absorbers and I will also again obtain Crawford's impression with and without shock absorbers, and let you know what he thinks about it. Personally, I do not find any R-R Car nowadays very easy to keep on the road at the higher speeds, but I must Contd. | ||