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).
Report from the U.S.A. discussing and comparing the suspension systems of Chrysler, General Motors, and Mercedes vehicles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 178\2\ img187 | |
| Date | 19th February 1934 | |
| COPY OF REPORT RECEIVED FROM Rn.{Mr Robinson} IN U.S.A. DATED 9.2.34. [Redacted distribution list] Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson}2/KW.19.2.34. [Stamp: RECEIVED 20 MAR 1934] SUSPENSION. I cabled you that I was not impressed with the Air Flow Chrysler riding. It would be absurd to take this as a condemnation of the system, because the car I tried was very experimental and my experience with G.M. has already shewn me that it does not take a deal to spoil an otherwise nicely riding car. However, the tendency of the Chrysler to pitch in the manner of the conventional car was more pronounced than on the G.M. productions which have twice the front deflection. In spite of this the rear seats were reasonably comfortable because the passengers there were sitting at the neutral point. One can imagine that with 8" front deflection this car would be astonishingly comfortable, but it is not easy to build facing forward rear seats without getting an outsize wheelbase if one is to adopt the Chrysler K- ab. I read with interest EL/HP.17.1.34. I have discussed G.M's. development of independents fairly thoroughly with him; he shewed me sketches of about 25 schemes they had played with, and it is of interest to know that they selected the Mercedes instead of their own on the grounds that it gave the required results with the maximum simplicity. I also discussed the question with Chryslers, who have of course copied the G.M. Mercedes scheme almost line for line. Chryslers were very emphatic that they thought little of the Chevrolet scheme. Olley himself says there was a considerable amount of "policy" involved in putting something different on the Pontiac and Chevrolet, and he expects them both to come to the wish-bone in due course. | ||