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).
Progress report on the Wraith model, discussing performance, cracked valve seats, a specific coupe, and the gearbox.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\3\ scan0192 | |
| Date | 3rd June 1939 | |
| - 5 - WRAITH. Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} PERFORMANCE - contd. (c). A reduction in weight of the chassis could be obtained by introducing the Silver Wraith (6 cylinder) following 'C' series. This proposal is outlined fully in Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}4/R.18.5.39. which represents the considered view of what is possible with our present capacity for the 1940 programme. B.V. CRACKED VALVE SEATS. Modifications have been made to carry the water more directly to the exhaust valve seats. The 15,000 mile test on 14.B.V. will demonstrate whether the modifications have entirely overcome the trouble. The head used is that which was introduced at the beginning of the Wraith programme following trouble with the valve seats. No further trouble has been experienced on Wraith cars. The very severe running during the 50,000 miles undoubtedly showed up a weakness, and this is being followed up as indicated above. Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}'s car. The car it was proposed to allot to Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} was the Coupe. We are making certain modifications to see whether it is possible to avoid the use of a stabiliser. When the car returns, and we have satisfied ourselves as to the method to be adopted to prevent movement on the body, the car will be immediately handed over to Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} GEARBOX. It has been reported that the final B.V. type of gearbox had been tried in the chassis and proved to be satisfactory, it was reported on as being very quiet. The second bod has been similarly tried, and again has been reported as a good box. It would therefore appear from this point of view we have nothing to worry about. [Handwritten note] SEE THAT WARD IS CLEAR WHAT HR PUTS ON PRODUCTION COUPE. | ||