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 complaints about poor suspension, noises, and steering on chassis 19-LC (Mr. Mackinlay).
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\1\ Scan392 | |
| Date | 19th November 1926 | |
| WW Derby [Struck through] Copy Hk.{Col. T. Harker - Sales} CONFIDENTIAL HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X2117 (94) Ps10/JP.19/11/26 RE CHASSIS 19-LC (Mr.MACKINLAY) This car came in again this week (it came in some months ago on its outward journey) having just returned from a long tour in various countries in the Continent. The owner complained of crashing in the front springs, and indifferent springing generally. We only had time to attend to the front spring, which we changed for those of Lemoine manufacture giving a slightly increased clearance. The owner and myself both think there is now an improvement in the front springing; one thing is certain we cannot crash. But, the springing from a general point of view is unsatisfactory. It literally spoils the car and even this a comparatively new car, a "W.P." rattles to-day like a milk float. The customer is not satisfied and talks of new cars of other makes having superior springing. I have asked him to call at Conduit Street, when he is London shortly, and Iconsider "PW" and "CWB" should test the car to confirm my remarks. Needless to say I have checked tyre-pressures etc... Ps. PS-The Phantom chassis has a reputation on the Continent of which we all ought to be proud, but what a pity it is spoilt in many ways. It just misses that peak of perfection it would otherwise attain because of a few unfortunate drawbacks it still possesses. To be perfectly frank, the suspension is decidedly poor as compared with other cars of noted manufacture. Is it a fundamental fault? Another point is the steering. I should like to see the stays which are fitted to .94 "C" and "D" type columns fitted to all columns of all types of all inclinations. I think it would make such a lot of difference to the impression of the driver and owner. It is strange, but true that if we make ourselves deaf to body rattles and general noises in a car, we think the car rides better and smoother. Similarly the dancing of a car is exaggerated by the sight and touch of a shaking column. [Stamped Text] RECEIVED RECEIVED 22 NOV 1926 NOV 23 1926 | ||