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).
Progress report on the Phantom III chassis, gearbox, and the 25/30 HP model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 83\3\ scan0013 | |
| Date | 7th December 1936 | |
| -3- LONG CHASSIS PH.III. This has been at the Coachbuilders for three weeks. We understand from Park Wards that they still require a further fortnight before the car will be ready. CONTINENTAL PH.III. The frame for the above is now erected. If the body were available, mounting could commence in a fortnight's time. We suggest that the body should be mounted at Derby and that Barkers should send their representative to supervise the work. The engine unit for the above is on the Test Bed and is giving about 240 HP. We are making 250 the minimum figure which we hope to attain. Visibility The amount of variation in the driving vision which can be obtained by altered spring poundage appears to be insignificant. Gear Box We consider that this is now the worst feature from a Production point of view on the Ph.III. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} concurs with this view. The Experimental Department are co-operating with NHC. to get the best possible results with the existing design. The question of future cars has been ventilated in the note on gear-boxes Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/AP.24.11.36. PH.III. CHASSIS COSTS. It should be appreciated that it takes a minimum of 18 months to standardise a new chassis. Design alterations to reduce costs cannot, as a rule, be introduced in an appreciably shorter period. We are incorporating as many of these modifications as we can on the Continental Phantom III. 25/30 HP. 22.G.V. is still running in France. The object of continuing the mileage is - (1) Finding out the life of whitemetal main bearings when run in conjunction with Hall's metal big ends on 25/30. These parts have so far run about 22,000 miles. | ||