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).
Letter to M. Olley Esq. discussing the performance and characteristics of various car suspension systems.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 170\2\ img084 | |
| Date | 28th August 1931 guessed | |
| M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Olley Esq. Detroit Michigan. -2- Unfortunately this type of suspension has never been put on a big car with a large speed range - all the models running are about 14 HP, with little low-built Weymann bodies on them, more suitable for ferrets than human beings, so one cannot judge the tendency to roll, or the road holding qualities at anything above 55 m.p.h. However, judging by results this is the best of the bunch. It is run by a man named Harris who can be found at the Travellers Club, Paris, and who knows me fairly well. It was very free from fore and aft pitching but as the rear seats were about 2 ft. in front of the back axle again it was impossible to gauge its relative merit, compared with a body giving a normal amount of leg room. The Sizaire and Styr were both sprung harshly with much damping and were considerably more uncomfortable than the average car. I am afraid that all these remarks tell you is that, to make an independently sprung car reasonably good, all the principles which hold with the standard type of suspension must be observed to get even as good results. I can honestly say that I have never ridden in a better sprung car than the Phantom I which you brought over to Derby on your last visit here. This tendency to mutual admiration is regrettable but never-the-less sincere. The Leon Laisne suspension on such a size of vehicle might conceivably give wonderfully good results. Kindest regards, and don't omit to have a look at Miss England II when she comes over to Detroit. Yours sincerely, | ||