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).
Competitor cars like Packard and Cadillac, focusing on their engine and independent suspension technology.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\1\ img316 | |
| Date | 23th January 1934 | |
| -3- Timing Gear - Silent Chain Air Silencer & Cleaner - A.C. product Exhaust Silencer - Burgess Shock Dampers - Luvax type Actually Houdaille In case you should think that I am saying that a 12 cyl. car engine is no use, I am at present driving a 1934 12 cyl. Packard lent me by G.K. which is the best "Town Carriage" I have so far handled. I will tell you more of it when I have been to the Packard factory. Thank you for your Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 9/M.J. 23.1.34 and for Ms. 13/M J 23.1.34 and Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} 3/E19.1.34 As I believe I told you, O.K. do not yet know what the patent position is here and don't expect to for some little time. With regard to exchanging the Bentley, Cadillacs do not seem so keen on this now, as it does not bear the remotest resemblance to anything they are selling, their smallest product being about as big as the short Chassis Phantom. Therefore since (a) The car is useful to us (b) there is resistance to exchanging it, it would seem best not to force the point. One point about the 16 cyl. it would give us some data on a straight eight if we ever think of making one. The other point is that the only class big car with independent suspension is the Cadillac. Neither Lincoln, Pierce, nor Packard having brought this out yet. My own view is that we shall probably have to get one of the new Imperial Chryslers as well if we are to know the whole story of the progress in suspension, but shall know more when I have tried the car. However, good the engine of the Cadillac 16 is, I am sure everyone will hate it in England, as it is too much Automobile for anything except arterial roads. The latest effort weights 6000 lbs. or well over 3 tons with a 156" wheelbase. Therefore, if you must have a 12 cyl. car of <strikethrough>reasonable proportions</strikethrough> with independent front suspension there is really not much alternative to the Cadillac 12 cyl. I am bothering you with this because if you reply c/o Olley Cadillacs, I shall get it when I return here at the beginning of March. | ||