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).
The performance of the 20 HP car, discussing potential improvements and design considerations such as engine size and chassis weight.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\S\March1928-May1928\ Scan088 | |
| Date | 1st April 1928 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to RG.{Mr Rowledge} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} ORIGINAL Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG3.4.28. 20 HP. PERFORMANCE. V5770 V5771 V5830. In our opinion the increase in the 20 HP. performance is perhaps more urgent than EAC.10. chassis because with the improvements to the Phantom which have been standardised and those which are about to run 10,000 miles on 12-EX, this should enable the Phantom to maintain its reputation for some time. As regards the 20 HP., although we are all out to take advantage at the earliest moment of any improvements we can obtain, we suggest that as the engine is to be practically re-designed, it is worth while carefully considering whether the size of the engine is right to suit modern requirements. Since the first 20 HP. car was made the following points have arisen :- (1) The chassis weight has increased by 200 lbs. (2) A much larger percentage of cars are fitted with covered bodies, and the purchase of a car more than ever depends upon the comfort and accommodation provided for passengers. (3) Greatly improved brakes, steering and hydraulic dampers enable the car to be driven faster with the same degree of safety and comfort. (4) When we increase the body space by 3" this will means an increase in body weight. This will occur however much to try to prevent it because of the fact that we mostly sell the chassis only. Recently there has been a reduction in body weights on the 20 HP. This has about counterbalanced the increase in chassis weight. Our competitors however have had contd :- | ||