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).
Chassis and engine changeovers for the 129-GN London Trials.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\3\ Scan144 | |
| Date | 21th August 1930 | |
| 87960 E/B PH. O.{Mr Oldham} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}7/H21.8.30. re. 129-GN. London Trials. With refrence to your PN{Mr Northey}4/WT20.8.30. Regarding the question of cost, we may find ourselves making several changeovers before we are satisfied that improved results are obtained. The variation between chassis or engines is somewhat impracticable to handle at present, hence our paragraph 4 in EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}13/H18.8.30. Every chassis going through test since received PN{Mr Northey}1/WT18.8.30 is being considered for 129-GN, but so far none considered of sufficiently definite improvement to warrant taking the risk of changeover. We suggest you give us until the end of this week, and if by that time no chassis or engine is found suitable we return the car to you (not gear? box) as per your penultimate paragraph. I certainly appreciate your objection (hence my protest against the chassis being used as a trials car in the first place). In regard to the Phantom II. engine torque reaction period and general fuss, I personally have been in danger of making this an obsession. I suggest that if you know of any new car or chassis amongst the several you handle for test purposes etc. at London and which you think would give better results if changed over, you arrange to return it to the Works for this purpose. My last recollection of a new car which was particularly good in this respect was 51-GY. Lord Rothermere ( refer EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}2/H19.8.30 sent to C.) EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} [STAMP: RECEIVED AUG. 22 1930 H] | ||