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).
Customer Sir Ralph Millburn's dissatisfaction with chassis WRB-21's suspension and plans for modifications.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 109\5\ scan0173 | |
Date | 25th May 1939 | |
661. W/S - C from By/SB{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister} c. By c. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. LA{L. A. Archer} c. W/H - Br.{T. E. Bellringer - Repair Manager} By/SB.{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister}1/MG.25.5.39 CHASSIS NO. WRB-21. Sir Ralph Millburn ----------------------------------------- As arranged with Br, I saw Sir Ralph at Middleton yesterday in order to see whether any further improvement can be made to the suspension, as apparently Sir Ralph had told Jack Barclay that he had made up his mind to dispose of the car. He is still very friendly disposed to the Company and appreciates the trouble we are taking to overcome defects which he himself is quite positive are due to the design of the body, which of course we know is the case. We have to admit that the riding is still far from good, and the amount of pitching was very unpleasant on the 200 miles run back from Middleton to Derby. However, quite apart from this, it would appear that Sir Ralph has other reasons for disposing of the car, and his sister hinted that he had recently suffered some financial losses, and that he would in future have to be very careful with his money. Also, he has given up his Kensington flat, and he now has little use for such a big car at Middleton. The rather unfair deal Jack Barclay did with him on the exchange for his Phantom III still rankles in his mind, and he seems determined now to cut his losses whether the riding can be made to suit him or not. However, he is going to have another think about this when he gets the car back, and our main pre-occupation now is to get rid of the pitching which undoubtedly exists. Now that the "C" Series low rated front springs and roll bar are available, we are going to fit them, and try other shock damper settings afterwards. It is doubtful whether we shall be able to re-deliver the car before Whitsun, but Sir Ralph is in no hurry for the car and will not be in the least inconvenienced if he does not get it back until after the holiday. By/SB{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister} | ||