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).
Issues with the Phantom chassis and the viability of a new high speed model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\8\ 08-page23 | |
| Date | 12th November 1926 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X469 *EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}'s comment To H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} from BJ. Copy to Cmr. Copy to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Copy to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Copy to PN.{Mr Northey} Copy to C. Copy to CE. High Speed 40 HP and 20 HP Rolls-Royce cars. BJ20/E12/11/26 LHS{Lord Herbert Scott}, C., Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and BJ. discussed at some length your interesting memorandum R1/M9/11/26. It was considered:- 1. The present Phantom chassis is an extremely satisfactory and beautiful production but, as must inevitably happen in the production of an entirely new chassis, certain very noticeable disadvantages have shown themselves since its introduction to the public, and these disadvantages are causing increasing rumours that the Phantom is not as perfect a complete car as was the Silver Ghost. This is undoubtedly tending to lower the reputation of the Phantom and to reduce sales, and will continue to do so until the disadvantages have been satisfactorily overcome. Every day therefore is of extreme importance. It is felt therefore that we cannot too strongly emphasize that the necessity for any new design merely to obtain speed is very insignificant and should not take up a moment's time or energy of the Designing or Experimental Departments if it will delay the completion of the above modifications to overcome the serious complaints we are continually receiving from Phantom customers, such as banging in the exhaust, unreliability of the throttle at low speeds, jumpiness in running at low speeds, springing and steering troubles, overheating of the interior of cars back and front, &c. We only have a limited number of experts and they are already overburdened with new work. The future of the Company of course entirely depends on the standard Rolls-Royce cars maintaining their position as the best all-round luxury cars that can be purchased. Competition from competitors is annually becoming more difficult for us to contend against. The production of a special speed model is comparatively of no importance at all. | ||