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).
Personal impression report comparing experimental chassis models 19-EX, 18-EX, and 23-EX.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65a\3\ scan0023 | |
| Date | 6th June 1929 | |
| [REDACTED]c to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} SS.{S. Smith} CHASSIS As requested the following are my personal impressions of Chassis 19-EX Model Chassis which was tried by Works and Sales Officials on Friday the 31st May. Also mentioned in this report are 18-EX Mr. Royce's car and 23-EX an Experimental Chassis which is being routine tested by myself. SPRINGING. Springing and suspension very good, infinitely better than the Phantom, and should eliminate the complaints which are so prevalent on our present Phantom. At the same time there does appear to be some tendency to roll when cornering fast. ENGINE. The Engine is better for smoothness than the Phantom. Detonations. These are much more noticeable when picking up than the Phantom. Torque reaction at 18 to 20 m.p.h. although present to a degree, is definitely less marked than the Phantom. Crankshaft periods are noticeable particularly at 30 to 45 m.p.h. These are more marked than Phantom, and are shown by "feel" and a certain amount of noise. 18-EX and 23-EX are quite good in this respect, although I understand they are identical with regard to crankshaft, slipper drive and all parts which have any bearing on this feature. There is still room for improvement on slipper drive design, which I understand from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} is fully appreciated by themselves and R.{Sir Henry Royce} Piston knocks. My personel opinion is that it is a pity we have not been able to make some provision for lubricating the pistons when starting engine up from cold, as with one exception I have not heard any SS{S. Smith} chassis start up which is free from piston knocks. CLUTCH. The clutch on 19-EX and on all SS{S. Smith} Chassis I have tried is much nicer in action than the average Phantom, at the same time they are all very near to the slipping point, and I feel in their present condition may prove a source of complaint. contd- | ||