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).
Phantom III vehicle (34-EX) regarding overheating issues and the fitting of a radiator wire mesh.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\3\ scan0119 | |
| Date | 30th September 1936 | |
| STEADMAN +360 U/noted HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/STD W/S. Ex. from Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} C. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} C. to Rn.{Mr Robinson} Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}2/R.30.9.36. PHANTOM III. CX{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}8/KW28.9.36. I have asked Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} to consider your memo above, and I give below a copy of his report to me:- 34-EX. "This is the car we turned out 12 months ago. It has a mileage of about 30,000 to its credit. "It has always run hot at high speeds and we suspect the water circulation of one or both of the cylinder heads - these are a very early production. "Some three weeks ago we had this car at the Works to fit an RR type clutch. While it was here for that purpose it was arranged at the September Conference to fit a wire mesh grid in front of the radiator matrix in an endeavour to hide the struts. This was done so that 'S' could see whether this would overcome their objection to the frontal appearance of the Phantom III. "The fitting of the wire mesh to this radiator prevents the shutters from fully opening and this will of course have an effect on water temperatures at high speeds. It represented the best we could do and was mainly a test for appearance, and as we were given to understand that the car was being passed to the School for Instruction purposes, we did not consider that it was a matter of great importance. "Now that a value has been obtained for the frontal appearance, we suggest that if the car is still going to be used for Trials purposes, that the wire mesh grid should be removed." Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} | ||