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).
Stiffness and application of front and rear road springs for different driving conditions and markets.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67a\1\ scan0285 | |
| Date | 15th March 1927 | |
| X8410 w/D.Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} (crossed out) c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY10/H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} 15.3.27. ROAD SPRINGS. ---------- Referring to Sgl4/BM.14.3.27. there will be no value in holding a conference with Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} and Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} absent from Derby. When they return, it would be very desirable. By all means it would be desirable to have Pt. at the conference. In regard to the front springs, no change can be made. The 20% stiffer springs fitted at the front at the moment are standard for all countries. The strength or stiffness of this spring does not depend upon the country where the car is being used, but on the control of the present design of front axle. We therefore cannot reduce the stiffness of the front springs. In regard to the rear, 5% stiffer is ordinary continental practice, and represents what we originally supplied to Spain. With reference to your second paragraph, in my opinion it is necessary for it to be made plain that the reason why stronger springs are in use in Spain is because Spain demanded them, and for no other reason. Referring to paragraph 7, I do not see any impossibility in making an enquiry as to whether the owner is using his car for 80% of its life in town. If so, obviously it ought to be sprung for the town. You are under a misapprehension in assuming that springing can be right for both town conditions and for bad roads. The two conditions are not compatible. We can either hit an average, where it is not suitable for either, or we can make it suitable for one, under which conditions it will be bad for the other, that is, if a man has a car sprung for town he must drive slowly the few occasions he does cross-country work. The shock dampers are an alleviation, but they are not a "cure-all". I do not wish any memo of mine to be read that I am fighting for stiffer springs for Spain. I have no interest whether they have stiff springs, standard, or lighter than standard, providing the people who make the recommendation bear the responsibility. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} [PY] | ||