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).
Introduction and features of the new 'SS' and 'G. 4' chassis.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\T\2July1928-December1928\ Scan191 | |
| Date | 7th November 1928 | |
| RJ. FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} ORIGINAL S E C R E T. R2/M7.11.28. C. to WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} (struck through) " DY.{F R Danby} (struck through) " HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} (struck through) " PN.{Mr Northey} (struck through) " SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} (struck through) " C. (struck through) VIEW PUT BEFORE THE BOARD. INTRODUCING 'SS{S. Smith}' & G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 4. 'SS{S. Smith}'. My impression is that it is absolutely necessary to have these in next year's Show, because we must have some definite improvement in appearance (i.e. lower), riding qualities (weight distribution), performance (lighter and increased power.) Therefore no more materials should be ordered for the present chassis. The main features have been well proved in EAC. 1. and 7., and I am again leaving at the end of the year with the more complete 'SS{S. Smith}', and a second one will leave shortly after for its 10,000 miles high speed, rough road test in France. The few items of novelty that may give trouble are minor parts, and are not likely to cause any very great delay or expense, for instance, the electric starter (which has already done a years trial.) I have long considered our present chassis out-of-date. The back axle, gearbox, frame, springs, have not been seriously altered since 1912. The front axle, brakes, steering, engine, clutch, are all only slightly modified from the present for the 'SS{S. Smith}'. The gearbox follows closely the 20HP., and many other features. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 4. This is only slightly different from the present 20HP., and might be introduced at once as the long frame 20HP., at say £25. extra. Its main object is to get a longer and lower appearance, (but there is not enough difference to really tell whether it is an extra low roofed body,) and to avoid 'B' steering and its high seats and short scuttle. The road clearance is being maintained by alter-ations to the petrol tank at the rear. An 'X' member is fitted in the centre of the frame to increase torsional rigidity. The engine is present standard, but with turbu-lent head, already standard on present Phantom. (1) Handwritten notes: X7770 X3993 (struck through) X5770 | ||