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).
Development updates on Wraith suspension and engine noise, and the arrival of a Continental Phantom III body.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 174\2\ img040 | |
| Date | 22th March 1937 | |
| Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry{Shadwell Grylls}5/R.22.3.37. We have just received your first two car memos. We are sending Arnold the sample of bearing metal, and I have asked Lovesey to send Gagg the dope on altitude rating. I gather from Mrs. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} that the papers still give no news in America, and, therefore, hasten to tell you that the Strike is now over. With regard to car work, we have not yet made a decision on the Wraith front suspension. To-morrow, however, there is a Conference at which Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and the Cost Experts will be present, and I hope they will come to some decision. If they do not decide on the external coil spring soon, it will be too late to have it, meanwhile we are making one "mock-up" with a hand made pan and alum. bronze levers which will be on the bump chassis by Easter. We wired you to discover any cure for Suspension noise. We were fortunately able to compare the Wraith with Kennington's new 38 H.P. Buick. Both cars are very bad over rough roads and tram sets. We have put felt on every feasible part of the Wraith frame and clamped it in position with bits of wood. This does not seem to make any difference. We have now got a high front engine mounting, and a 25/30 rear mounting suspended from the side members instead of cross. For smoothness this is about as good as a standard 25, but the engine noise is still worse. The steering is now not too bad with the correct pivot lean, and the addition of some sponge. The Continental P.III body has arrived, and we are having slight arguments with Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} about the weight which has come out at 12.1.18. For this luxury we have to suffer a fixed windscreen, no sliding roof, aero glass and pneumatic upholstery. The car should be running about a week after Easter with an engine giving very nearly full horsepower. Handwritten note on left margin: 32- EX is 6 lbs heavier | ||