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).
Frame heights, modifications to the front axle, buffer clearance, and the potential use of hypoids to lower the chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 14\8\ Scan066 | |
| Date | 1st June 1928 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} from DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} 47380 DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}5/M5. 6. 28. FRAME HEIGHTS. X. 7380 X. 7420 X. 5380 X. 615 X. 2066 Replying to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn{Mr Robinson}6/LG31.5.28., at the present moment 'SS{S. Smith}' is 22.5" from the ground, and we have obtained this by modifying the front axle, particulars of which will be sent you very shortly. The back part is limited by the diameter of the axle casing. We should like to point out however that the frame heights given on your blueprint are not exactly a criterion of the height of the car. Strictly speaking since we have not altered the position of the axle bump above the ground on the present Phantom we have not reduced the minimum roof. Both EAC.7 and 10 are therefore strictly speaking lower from the ground than is represented by these comparative dimensions. We may say however that we are not satisfied that we have got 'SS{S. Smith}' as low as it can be got. With reference to your remark re. buffer clearance this point is still under consideration as regards the front end of the frame, which we are expecting to send you in the course of a few days. No-one however has as yet taken up the question of giving different buffer clearances for different rating of springs. A point which seriously influences the actual reduction that we can effect is whether we can use hypoids or not. We have had no intimation from Derby as to the probable success of hypoids or not. We think that by now you will have obtained some information. DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} | ||