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).
The performance of the Phantom III model in the U.S.A., with comparisons to American cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 174\2\ img121 | |
| Date | 3rd May 1937 | |
| -3- P.III PERFORMANCE IN U.S.A. It was exceptionally useful having the P.III in America to compare it with these cars on their own ground. In normal driving the worst feature was the clutch which, even after a new plate had been fitted in Florida, was poor. Longs produced a new plate, which when fitted gave a very satisfactory result, but it remains to be seen how long the smooth take up will be maintained. The pedal pressure seemed impossibly heavy after American cars. GEARBOX. The gear change was so heavy and awkward that the advantage of the four speed box was completely lost in getting away from stop lights. The over-drive would reduce stop light gear manipulation to two changes, but the operation must be made less laborious. The over-drive would be ideal for American conditions. Standard of gear silence on P.III better than any average production American box. STEERING. Was too heavy for parking, partly due to the high ratio, and partly due to the friction in the system necessitated by wobbles and joggles. On a good road it was fair, but would have done with less over-steer. On a bad set road it was quite impossible. The bad road was worse than anything experienced normally in England. SUSPENSION. Stiffer than necessary for America but a fair compromise. A slightly lower front rate might reduce pitching. Controllable dampers are not necessary for American conditions and simply make the car uncomfortable at high speeds. BRAKES. Good when adjusted up, but dangerous when the front brakes have worn and require taking up. This is a bad fault, and must be corrected. It is accentuated by the present wishbone geometry. The Americans have a greater percentage of front braking than we do. No squeaks or jaggers experienced. | ||