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).
Suitability of stiffer springs and shock absorbers for cars in Spain.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 54\3\ Scan195 | |
| Date | 14th March 1927 | |
| X2628 (COPY). X8410 X9410 X8410 S/W. Copy to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rv. Madrid Depot. RE SPRINGS FOR SPAIN. Thanks for EY1/H11.3.27. I have received via. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} copy of your EY8/H9.3.27. to him on the above subject. I have noted your remarks under the various headings in your memo of the 11th. and fear that no good purpose will be served by going into the question of how we came to spring Cars for Span 20% stiffer. There is certainly no desire to "leave Derby high and dry as the only culprits in the situation" nor is there any desire on the part of myself or anyone else here, to shirk any responsibility which we should properly shoulder. At the same time, I think if we were to look up all the facts (and I do not think it is worth while so doing) we should find that at the date we asked for stronger springs for Spain, conditions were considerably different - for instance, I very much doubt whether Hartford shock absorbers were even allowed to be fitted, let alone standard. Another point I would like to mention in passing is, that although you agreed with R.{Sir Henry Royce} to a certain system of fitting 20% stiffer springs for Australia, Pt. who has the practical experience of the country, has never agreed this as being the right course; in fact, has prayed us to do otherwise, but no notice has been taken of his recommendations and advice on the subject. He is now in England on leave. We quite agree that a general clean up of the whole position is desirable and that a Conference should be held with the people concerned. Possibly Pt. could be brought into this Conference as whilst what he asks for in Australia may not be at all desirable in Spain, his views and experience should at least be of value and assistance. Do you think it is useful to hold a Conference on the subject whilst Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} are away, or shall we defer it until their return ? In your memo of the 9th to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} you make a suggestion which, so far as we can see, would necessitate an Owner in Spain being asked whether he meant to use his car in Town or in the country - the car to be sprung accordingly. This, we feel sure on reflection, you will agree is quite an impossible position for us to adopt, because, as Motor Car Manufacturers, our cars must be capable of being used under either conditions without alteration other than possible adjustment of shock absorbers. The | ||