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 assessment of two Goshawk cars following complaints of poor engine vigour and coarseness.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 41\3\ Scan350 | |
| Date | 16th July 1923 | |
| To CJ. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to BJ. PN.{Mr Northey} c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X3720 R1/M16.7.23. RE. VISIT OF BJ. AND PN.{Mr Northey} to WW. ON 13.7.23. X3720 74219 BJ. and PN.{Mr Northey} brought two Goshawks, and their complaints are want of engine vigour on the blue car, and a coarse engine on the grey car. My impressions were that there was little to choose between the two engines, but a difference in the bodies. We must expect torque reaction or want of vigour, and reducing the compression is the only means we know of reducing the ripples in the torque and its reaction. Personally I think the engines were very good and do not recommend reduction in the compression ratios. (For minor faults see other memos.) There are some modifications being made to the timing of the valves which may result in an improvement in acceleration, and may demand a slightly reduced compression ratio. These are being dealt with by Mr. Hives. Otherwise we do not know what to do to these Goshawks to make them smoother without spoiling the power. Later on we may learn from the EAC. if the method of suspension being tried with that engine is considered successful. My impression of the two open cars above mentioned is that the Barker body was handsome, but roughly heavier than the grey body. This Barker body was exceedingly good for silence and luxurious appearance, but one would think too big and heavy for a sporting type of car such as Mr. Moore-Brabazon would wish for, and it would be entirely unsuited for his tastes, when propelled by six little 3" cylinders of a non-racing type of engine contd:- | ||