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).
Log book entry detailing a car's suspension test and performance observations.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\5\ scan0268 | |
| Date | 2nd May 1938 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Log Book. 400. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}4/R.2.5.38. B.III. This car is a big improvement over the last time I tried it. Suspension. Considering that the damper loading is fixed, the ride is now a very fair compromise. The low rating front springs have reduced the tendency to pitch enormously. There is not enough buffer clearance on the rear. When starting up in the morning, both the damper noise, and their effectiveness, appear to be greater than when the car is running under ordinary conditions. While we do not anticipate that the ride characteristic will be improved by fitting rear springs with a low rating, we think some of these should be obtained for test purposes. A stiff frame does emphasise road shocks through either the present rear springs or shock absorbers. Road noises when passing over pot holes, or other obstructions, are certainly worse than the Wraith. It is imperative, however, that we start an investigation to find out whether these can be improved or not. We get the impression that the cornering ability of the car would be improved by a front roll rod. When you do your handling tests on the skid pan, will you get the best compromise with both 4 and 6-ply tyres. I should then like to go out with you on the road with each combination to observe the results. | ||