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).
Meeting notes discussing potential improvements to the clutch, engine performance, gearbox, and suspension.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\1\ Scan114 | |
| Date | 16th February 1935 | |
| Notes of Meeting. are lighter steering and reduced road shocks. Another improvement which we hope to get out of the 21-G-IV test is the improved clutch, the standardisation of which will depend on the result of trials in London traffic now being conducted; also the more efficient servo will be standardised and help to overcome the complaint of poor brakes. Re Improved Performance, i.e. new type head of the turbulent type, increased compression, close centres, the design is in hand and also includes adjustable tappets. Re Lower gear ratio, i.e. with hypoid gears using the Wraith back axle, the design has been issued. BX. is detailing. The first set of gears will have to come from America which will take 6 to 8 weeks. By that time BX. hopes to have finished his detailing. This matter is considered very urgent from the point of view of performance but, as it is obvious that it is many months away from production, it was agreed after discussion that the Experimental Dept. should proceed with the suggestion contained in Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/KW.31.1.35, namely fit up an existing 20/25 car with smaller wheels and increased camber to the springs so as to give the same ground clearance but a lower axle ratio. Worst Feature on the 20/25. Performance. Easier Change Gearbox. The position is as before - E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} says we are watching developments, but since the last meeting we have been in touch with the new box produced by the Maybach Co. for which very ambitious claims are made, and we shall make arrangements to try this as soon as the first one is available in England, which should be within two months' time. The Wilson box has been fitted up on a 20/25 experimental car and a report has been issued which is not very encouraging. It is generally thought that the use of our normal synchromesh gearbox operated by relay will be more satisfactory. Dubonnet Suspension. Since the last meeting we have received | ||