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).
Technical memorandum responding to complaints from Lord Montagu regarding steering rigidity and the Autovac system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\4\ Scan131 | |
| Date | 8th August 1925 | |
| x3579 To WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG18. 8. 25. RE: 145-MC - LORD MONTAGU. +4117 48430 x8680 x3579 With reference to BJ4/H17.8.25 with letter attached from Lord Montagu dated 15th. inst. (1) The steering column support on the old type 40/50 Silver Ghost chassis was unusually rigid but in order to obtain this it was necessary to have a tubular support from the dashboard to the cross member on the frame. This support was restricted by the position of the pedals. On the New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I the steering is supported from the dashboard only. Although the mounting is not as rigid as the old 40/50, it is considered amply sufficient and is considered to be the best compromise. There may be reasons why Lord Montagu's car is particularly bad - it is the first time we have had a complaint from outside people as regards this. (2) There can be no pressure inside the Autovac. The tank portion is open to the atmosphere and the inner tank is either in direct connection with the petrol tank (which is open to the atmosphere), or in connection with the induction pipe which is below atmospheric pressure when the engine is running. There is not the least risk of explosion or fire. It is not possible for the petrol in the Autovac tank to drain back into the main petrol tank. It is appreciated that the Autovac tank gets fairly warm but no disadvantage has been proved from this. If the Autovac has been found empty it would appear that there is something wrong with it. contd:- | ||