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).
Worst features and customer complaints regarding the 20 HP model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\5\ Scan125 | |
| Date | 14th January 1927 | |
| S/W {Sales / Derby Works} Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 4418 C2/014.1.27. Re Worst Features on 20 h.p. ------------------- With reference to your Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 2/LG29.11.26, what we are trying to get at is the order of urgency of various items on the 20 h.p. in respect of which we have received complaints from customers, in the same way that we compiled the list for the 40/50 h.p. between us. The original note on this put the headings very shortly, and we had not gone into the various explanations. To take the various items we mentioned, and the remarks contained in your memo:- (1) STEERING CONTROL. We are aware, of course, that modifications have been made which will be coming through in time, but as these have not yet reached our hands we thought it as well to keep this item on the list. (2) TROUBLES WITH PETROL SYSTEM. This item was intended to cover all troubles arising from foreign matter of any description getting into the jets of the carburettor or any other part of the petrol line. We understand that when the new tank is fitted you consider that these troubles will cease, but, as with the previous item, we feel this should remain on our list until we have had an opportunity with you of establishing the success of the modification. Meantime we still continue to get complaints on existing cars. (3) STARTER FAILURES. We are glad to note that you equally consider this point of primary importance. (4) POOR PERFORMANCE INCLUDING INEFFICIENT & BOOMING SILENCER. We hoped you would understand that this item was intended to cover the consideration which has been given frequently by R. {Sir Henry Royce} , yourselves, and Sales, to the possibility of improving the power which might be available from the 20 h.p. engine in one way or another. It has to be remembered that the chassis is approximately 2 1/2 cwts. heavier today than it was when it was first produced. At that early time R. {Sir Henry Royce} instructed that bodies weighing no more than 9 cwt. should be fitted, knowing well that otherwise the performance of this car would not be of a nature to enable us to compete in the world's market, or justify the model's existence with a reasonably comfortable closed body. We realise that an improved performance can be looked for in many directions, such as:- (a) A somewhat higher speed engine; (b) A lower gear ratio to axle; | ||