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).
Customer complaint regarding unsatisfactory springing on a Silver Ghost, chassis 44-EU.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\1\ Scan365 | |
| Date | 1st November 1926 | |
| To BJ. Copy to C. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} EWT. Frank Fisher Esq. - Duddenhill, Watford. Chassis No.44-EU. I called upon this owner of a Silver Ghost, having four wheel brakes, this morning at Watford, in order to discuss with him the apparently difficult position which has arisen in respect of his complaint of unsatisfactory springing on his car. I took with me the Barker Trials Landaulet, in order that he might have a run in a Phantom. I found waiting for me, in addition to Mr. Frank Fisher, his brother, who owns a Daimler, the springing of which he appears to be greatly pleased with, and a Mr. Reading, a millionaire butcher, who appear to be very great friends. Both of these gentlemen are likely to buy Rolls-Royce cars presently if Mr. Fisher can be fully satisfied. The position is that, arising out of complaints of springing discomfort, N. fitted lighter springs. The complaint, however, remains just as strong. To-day I tried this car with four passengers up, the rear shock absorbers being adjusted out of action, and the rear tyres having a pressure of 45 lbs. I found that riding in this car was like riding in a tram. We might have had solid tyres. I was informed that on no occasion had the buffers bumped, so that it would appear, in spite of the reduced loading of springs, the present ones are much too heavy. With the car empty I tried, as is my usual practice before getting into a car under consideration, to swing the car to ascertain its natural period of road springs; I could not get up any swing. The capacity of this car for absorbing road shocks is so poor that I anticipate the Works will have no difficulty in greatly improving matters. I am arranging to send this car to W. at once. We are somewhat handicapped in making a successful job by reason of the weight of this saloon body, and especially by the fact that there is considerable overhang at the rear. The coachwork is by Mulliner's, and was bought off the stand at a Motor Exhibition. PN.{Mr Northey} | ||