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).
Replying to queries about modifications and testing schedules for experimental car models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\2\ 02-page048 | |
| Date | 1st January 1929 | |
| X7941 45 To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG1.1.29. 47770 Replying to Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}8/Msl.12.28. The following are our replies to your queries in numerical order. 1. As far as we know at present, the following parts on 18-EX will be modified before they are put into production. (1) Engine mounting. This will probably be fitted with solid engine feet in front. (2) Exhaust system. (3) Slight modifications to the starter motor. (4) Shock absorber casings. (5) Possibly we may revert to the std. Phantom Dynamo and switchbox, if not, slight modifications will be made to the present scheme. As far as we know, none of the modification enumerated above should prevent raw material from being ordered. We shall act in the same way as we have always done in the past with new pieces and that is advise the Works to go slowly on the doubtful parts. 2. 19-EX will have the solid front engine mounting which has been proved to overcome the oscillation on the front of the frame, and will have the modified shock absorber casings, otherwise, it will be identical to 18-EX. 3. We anticipate 19-EX will have run 2000 miles by Jan. 10th. 4. It is proposed to leave 19-EX car in France and for it to continue running another 10,000 miles test fitted with the modified parts, and we also expect to send out to that car any other parts we wish to try. By this, each modification will be run 10,000 miles. We anticipate that after 19-EX, we may either send 20-EX or 21-EX to France to carry on the testing. It is our intention to carry out most of the tests in France so as to avoid running cars in England where they are more likely to be observed by the public. 5. The size of wheels on 18-EX is more or less a frivolous point. It was thought that we might like to use smaller wheels on the SS.{S. Smith}, so that wheels of the present standard size with 21" rims and wheels with 20" rims were ordered. contd :- | ||