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).
Difficulties in producing a satisfactory engine for the Sports models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65a\1\ scan0178 | |
| Date | 12th December 1927 | |
| To BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Y8774 X7770 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG2. 12. 27. SPORTS MODELS. X8830 Replying to BJ22/E1.12.27. The position at the moment is that we have not yet been able to produce a satisfactory engine for the Sports car. As you are aware, when we took the Sports car to WW. a fortnight ago, the new crankshaft, conn. rod and pistons were condemned. We have had the car running again fitted with standard crankshaft, conn. rod and pistons but we are not at present satisfied with the new slipper wheel. It is possible that we may get it to work satisfactorily, otherwise we shall have to fit the present standard slipper wheel. We have, within the last two or three days received from WW. a modified crankshaft which means an altered forging. They have also sent some new pistons. Experience to date shews that all the modifications made since you tried the car at Frinton, have given us trouble. Even though most of our efforts to improve the engine have produced only negative results, we still consider we shall have a satisfactory Sports chassis ready in time for the bodies. We have not spent much time and money on the three Sports chassis, because the present car we have is all we want until we know what we want to make. As soon as we know how to make a satisfactory Sports car engine it will not take very long to complete the 3 chassis. The actual making of the chassis does not worry us, it is knowing how to make them satisfactory which is the trouble at present. We propose visiting WW. on Wednesday or Thursday next week. We may also have to squeeze in another visit on the following week in order to get the matter settled before R.{Sir Henry Royce} leaves for France. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||