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).
Comparative analysis report on steering, springing, and acceleration against a competing Springfield car, with proposals for improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\3\ 03-page299 | |
| Date | 18th November 1930 guessed | |
| -2- (1) Steering. The steering on this car is wonderfully light, lighter than our average cars. There is, however, a fair movement of the wheel over a bad road more than on the springfield cars with heavier steering. I think we can overcome their criticism by having more friction on the cross steering tube ball ends. (2) Springing. I had to admit that the springing of the Springfield car was better than 25-XX. Changing over from one car to the other there was no doubt about it. The cars were driven over a range of speed from 20 to 80 M.P.H. The springing position was left that I would investigate their cars and 25-XX. and make alterations. (3) Acceleration. On speeds from 10 to 35 M.P.H. the Springfield car with the same total weight is better for acceleration, the car feels to have more snap and punch when you open the throttle. The present Phantom I's made at Springfield have approximately the same axle ratio. They have slightly higher compression ratio and a short duration camshaft. We can beat them at high speeds but they have it at low. They are still using the valve in the exhaust pipe for exhaust heating. I propose increasing the amount of exhaust heat and increasing the water temperature. I feel we can improve 25-XX. but there is no reason why we should be better than their cars. To sum up results after a full days comparative tests we have three criticisms to deal with :- (1) Steering. (This is not difficult). (2) Springing. This is serious. They point out that the chief difference to the buyer between Phantom I and Phantom II is the type of springs used. 70% to 80% of R.R. buyers have been previous owners of R.R. cars. They will look for and expect a better ride since we have changed the springs. (3) Acceleration. Again it is a question of comparison if an owner has been used to a certain low speed performance he will certainly complain if you sell him anything less. It has been arranged that we will carry out further tests after I have made adjustments to 25-XX. | ||