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).
From 'R' outlining eleven car development objectives for a board meeting.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\Q\April1927-June1927\ 93 | |
| Date | 25th May 1927 | |
| TO BJ/FOR BOARD MEETING. FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} SECRET R3/M25.5.27. X5470 X8770 X8410 X5770 X8430 C. to - [strikethrough]WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}[strikethrough] BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} OUR CAR OBJECTIVES. (1) To increase the road clearance on the rear bump, rear tank, exhaust pipe, etc. (2) To improve the riding qualities of the 40/50. - centre of gravity further back. (3) To improve the steering qualities of the 40/50. (4) To make the 40/50 back axle with [strikethrough]with[strikethrough] parallel control like 20HP., for smoother running in the transmission. (5) To improve the appearance by lowering the frame without decreasing the road clearance (both chassis). Incidentally this helps (2) and (3). (6) To decrease the weight of the 40/50 engine (lighter Phantom) - helping (2) and (3), and also increasing the acceleration. There are many advantages in the modifications we are making- easier to get silence, lower cost, decreased tendency to detonations. At present final designs being completed at WW. (7) Better support of the body. (8) Easier lubrication,(central with tubes) airchamber scheme of distribution. (9) New 20HP. front axle, of the same type as the recent 40/50 lighter axle, which has technical features and quantities that have proved so advantageous. (10) Many starter and ignition improvements. (11) New smaller, simpler, lighter, and less expensive gearbox for Phantom. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||