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).
Secret memorandum on the development and 10,000-mile testing of the 'SS' car against the 18-EX and Phantom models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\2\ 02-page016 | |
| Date | 18th December 1928 | |
| X2941 16 To B.J. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG18.12.28. SECRET X7941 X7810 18-EX. X3994 Replying to BJ12/E17.12.28. 18-EX car has already started the 10,000 miles test in France. It arrived in France Sunday last. It was agreed by PN.{Mr Northey} and CWB. when they were at WW. that they preferred the 'SS{S. Smith}' car they tried in the condition as they tried it to the present standard Phantom. As regards their criticism, everything is being done to overcome the faults complained of. It is impossible for us to say exactly what modification will be necessary. We expect however that the further 'SS{S. Smith}' cars which will be ready in 10 to 14 days, will be definitely an improvement over 18-EX which PN.{Mr Northey} and CWB. tried. It is not proposed to interfere with the car which is running the 10,000 miles test. The investigation work will be carried out on the other 'SS{S. Smith}' chassis. We naturally expect there will be modifications to the 'SS{S. Smith}' as a result of testing and development, but we are confident that we can overcome any troubles which occur and that the SS.{S. Smith} car to be produced will be definitely better than any Phantom and will be better than the 'SS{S. Smith}' car which PN.{Mr Northey} and CWB. have reported upon so favourably. As regards the length of the chassis. We see no hope of katark altering this. The present standard Phantom with one wheel at the back has an overall length of 17 ft. The SS.{S. Smith} car with one wheel at the back is 17 ft. 9 ins. The SS.{S. Smith} car with 2 wheels at the back is 18 ft. 3 ins. contd :- | ||