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 and requested repairs for demonstration chassis 3.DL.58 following a road test and accident.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 153\1\ scan0274 | |
| Date | 20th April 1939 | |
| /1300 To Rolls-Royce Ltd. Derby.......... Bys Copy to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} D/BP. Levallois Sr/VA4/ET.20.4.39 Re: CHASSIS 3.DL.58 - DEMONSTRATION CAR. ----------------------------------------------------- With reference to Sr/VAI/ET.17.4.39, it has been decided between Tr.{Capt. F. W. Turner - Finance} and Sr. that the above chassis is to be sent to the Works (driven), for the necessary repairs, as soon as we can get the paper formalities in order. We have fitted the new pendulum lever sent by the Works to the steering (the steering column as at present fitted is our spare one) and we have now carried out a road test of the chassis, and the following is our report. STEERING. The steering does not return to the centre position (front wheels parallel to chassis frame) when driving the chassis from left to right and vice versa on a straight road. As the chassis was tested without the body and with only a tester's rig, and without ballast on the rear, this may, we think, cause the above, but only to a slight degree. The steering is not selective. Noise from rear wheels. Frame bent as already mentioned. Rear cross-member bent. Rear Shackles out of alignment. It will be necessary to fit two new supports for the rear bumper. Will Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} please note that, upon receipt of the chassis, it should be tested and thoroughly examined because, as previously stated, it received a very hard blow at the rear and especially at the n/s rear. The front o/s wheel also struck a mound of loose earth and the car turned over on its lefthand side. It is to be understood that we have not done any dismantling apart from changing the steering column. Will Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} please refer to By.7/G.15.4.39. (Hd{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy}) Upon receipt of the chassis, please have the repairs carried out with the utmost speed, because we are now without a Phantom III demonstration car and therefore urgently in need of it. It is important that all the existing step irons and body supporting brackets should be refitted to the frame and EWP.{Mr Punt} (Mr. Punt) will explain this to you when he arrives at the Works with the car. Sr/VA. | ||