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).
Responding to a query about guaranteeing an 85 MPH speed for the Phantom car, with recommendations and discussion of experimental engine improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\8\ 08-page27 | |
| Date | 14th December 1926 | |
| To FW. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} X.469 X8470 X.469 Hsl/LG14.12.26. Replying to PNS/EH13.12.26. We certainly recommend a 16-tooth axle on the Phantom car which will be fitted with a light streamlined open touring body. We do not think it is possible for us to ever guarantee 85 MPH. It is very probable, with a favourable road, wind and tide that this would be achieved. The results of experimental work to produce better performance have lead us into a new design of combustion chamber, position of sparking plugs and new induction system. None of these of course can be applied to existing Phantom and it will probably be a long time before they are standardised. A definite advantage can be obtained on the present car in performance by raising the compression - this of course increases the tendency for the engine to detonate. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||