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).
Response discussing engine starting, maximum speed, and the performance of the Phantom II compared to a Hispano.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\1\ scan0040 | |
| Date | 26th October 1935 | |
| (3) E.1/HP.26.10.35. and synchronization difficult. The only argument for its retention is that it is independent of the battery, but as it is not possible to start these large modern engines with high compression ratios by hand, and the battery is so well looked after with voltage control, there is nothing in this. Finally, with regard to Mr Hill's constructive suggestion in the last paragraph of his letter, he again thinks in terms of maximum speed which is so often obtained with a suitable speedometer, but we would say that the Phantom 2 as it is, and with its road holding qualities is faster than any other big car on any given journey, and would certainly beat the big Hispano. There is no doubt that it could be geared up if fitted with suitable coachwork for reducing weight and drag, but we believe the present specification is the best compromise for all round requirements. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||