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).
Meeting notes discussing improvements to the 24-EX car and the potential purchase of a twelve-cylinder Cadillac.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65a\3\ scan0273 | |
| Date | 31th January 1931 | |
| -4- Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/MJ.31.1.31 Cont. complained of by Sales, and which they considered had been greatly improved. This car was tried by all, and compared with Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'s as Standard Phantom II. It was agreed that 24-EX. was a very great improvement to Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'s car and Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and PN.{Mr Northey} thought that if we could reproduce that result on all cars the complaints of torque reaction and engine fuss and roar would practically disappear. The alterations which had been made to 24-EX. were it had the Diamond engine mounting and torque reaction dampers at the front. Balance weights on the crankshaft, these brought the master period down into the speed range of the car and that will have to be altered. First of all the Expl. Dept have got to find the value of the effect of balance Weights. It was agreed, however, that all round 24-EX. did offer the solution of our existing troubles. It was agreed that E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} should immediately look into the question of design so that several cars could be fitted up with this scheme to prove whether the results can be repeated. A certain amount of discussion took place on the purchase of a twelve cylinder car. It was thought that as we ultimately expect to build a twelve cylinder car we ought to be running one. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} recommended and E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} agreed that we should purchase a Cadillac. This is much cheaper than the Maybach, and we believe is more practical in spite of it having 45° angle. We ought, however, to decide which car it should be and get one as soon as we can. !!Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}H | ||