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).
Use of front-wheel brakes on new models and comparing them to competitors.
| Identifier | Morton\M1.A\ img003 | |
| Date | 1st August 1921 | |
| To C.J. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} -3- RA/G4/8/21 Contd. lighter. It is for this reason that one may consider that the safest move would be to use the same system in the new 40/50. Owing to the short torque tube used on the Hispano the back brakes would be definitely defective and demand the use of front brakes. A specification of the new "Vulture" will be sent to you for approval, in which case I should be glad to know the voting for and against front wheel brakes. It will be remembered that they must of necessity be complicated and costly, and require more careful attention than those on the back wheels. You will see therefore that I have a perfectly open mind rather in favour of a small amount of front wheel braking. I do not fear so much the capsizing of the car as in case of skidding the front wheels the power of the driver to steer the car becomes nil, and the car goes on in a somewhat straight line in whatever direction it happened to be going, unless the back wheels also lock, when it may swing about hopelessly in any direction. You will see that we are fully aware of our defects of the present brake system and we believe we have a fair idea of the possibilities of other arrangements and front wheel braking. I think I should not choose a Hispano as a specimen of front wheel brakes, but should try and get hold of one of the Grand Prix racing cars, such as the Balliot. I think we ought to try to get the loan of every make of car we fear as competitors, but it sounds too costly to purchase one especially unless we find it is doing us serious damage. Hispano cater for sporting cars, we do not. The question is, are we to do so, because in some ways they are quite different. Springfield and H.P. might report if Dusenberg dangerous rival and get the trial of one. R.{Sir Henry Royce} [Handwritten notes in right margin:] [Next to 'Hispano'] The PII rear suspension system precedent [Next to 'costly'] a very true forecast [Next to 'Balliot'] But this was what happened - Hispano chosen because obtainable | ||