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).
Outlining design disagreements for the Spectre model, specifically the petrol tank and rear axle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\1\ 01-page021 | |
| Date | 5th December 1933 | |
| LID{A. J. Lidsey} X-694 To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} 13/HP.5.12.33. C. Tmr, Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}, Hby re SpectreCodename for Phantom III. Replying to your memo sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}10/E.1.12.33 concerning the questionnaire with regard to the above car, the following are the points with which we are not in agreement. (1) We do not want the autovac petrol tank and vacuum pump because this would not give us sufficient petrol head to the carburetters which latter are situated on top of the engine. At the moment we are meeting this problem on the Bentley car by using the S.U. pump. (2) We do not want a torque tube back axle because (a) it is heavy (b)it makes for too much unsprung weight, (c) it has a tendency to steer the car. With regard to the other points mentioned in the questionnaire affecting design, we are dealing with these and will have them ready for discussion when the next opportunity occurs. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||