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 pros and cons of the Packard type front suspension.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154a\2\ scan0053 | |
| Date | 27th March 1939 | |
| 1305 By... from Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/DB.{Donald Bastow - Suspensions} Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/N.27.3.39. THE PACKARD TYPE SUSPENSION. We would like to put on record our views on the Packard type Front Suspension after our experience with design and development of the Bentley 5, not with the desire to prejudice its future, but with the hope that in the trial of crucial criticism its virtues may be established. We chose this particular suspension for the following reasons:- (1) The Packard car had the best ride we knew. (2) Its low bearing loads made possible use of rubber, which in its turn reduced noise. (3) The torque arm would produce less tendency to dive on braking. (4) Rubber joints reduce the lubrication problem. (5) The spread lower triangle permits forward position of the engine. The disadvantages as then seen were:- (a) It has been used by only one manufacturer. (b) Its pieces are ugly and heavy. All that was two years ago, now we know a lot more, and even yet there is much more to be discovered. This goes to show the danger of leaving a developed system for a new one, even though it appears to have decided apparent advantages. Cont'd.... | ||