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).
Feedback letter discussing the performance of a Large Bore 20/25 model, covering its engine, steering, and suspension.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 107\1\ scan0335 | |
| Date | 15th October 1935 | |
| Secret Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Copy to C.C.m. Copy to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} X560 WorS/T15.10.35. Re Large Bore 20/25. Thanks for your Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}3/E14.10.35. I am glad you were pleased with the engine in my car, it really is good, and as you say, is still smooth and silent. There is a little difficulty in starting when the engine is warm, but this is easily remedied by having the ignition lever half way up and the throttle about a quarter open. The steering is a Marles Type and to me it is disappointing, over 40 miles per hour I think it is troubled with joggles and not at all steady as you found out at high speeds. This of course might be affected by springing and soft tyres. The springing is exactly the same as when you tried it last and it is very disappointing, nobody cares to ride in the back of the car and everybody has agreed that it wants improving, and larger springs are going to be fitted. Kennett is quite right in saying that the tyre pressures were as low as 25 lbs, this has been done in order to improve riding until we can improve the springing. I enjoyed your car very much and think it excellent, the springing being possibly the finest that I have ever ridden on. We did about 140 miles and on a good road we managed to reach about 68. The important thing your car needs is a large bore engine, then you would find it much more attractive to drive. I think your steering was very good, better than mine, but we shall know more about this when we alter the springing. I also liked the three spoke steering wheel, one can see the instruments better. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} | ||