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).
The testing and modifications of the first 24 Wraith chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\2\ scan0128 | |
| Date | 17th August 1938 | |
| W/S Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} He c BY c RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} c Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c MS WRAITH We have now completed the testing of the first 24 Wraith Chassis. These chassis have undoubtedly gone through test better and with far less troubles than any new type of chassis we have ever handled and the experience we have gained with these chassis should be of great value when we commence production. During the time the chassis were on test a number of modifications and alterations were decided on but owing to RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}'s efforts in producing the new pieces we have been able to do all these prior to the chassis leaving the Works, and so avoiding the necessity of doing any of these modifications at Coachbuilders etc. The following is a list of the major alterations we have made - Clutch operation levers Air Vent to gear boxes Taper packings between rear axles & springs Rear jack brackets. Carburettor drain pipes Reverse light switches Side steering tube springs Front silencer downpipes. In addition to the above there were a number of smaller modifications made. As regards the Clutch operation, we only had trouble with one clutch when fitted with the original method of operation, but at the same time we consider the alteration was well worth while as we know if a customer did have a clutch judder it might be very serious, also the Clutch pedal is much nicer to operate when fitted with the new leverage as one does not feel the engine moving on its mountings through the pedal. contd- | ||