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).
Secret internal memorandum detailing the objectives for redesigning SS cars, including advice for coachbuilders on weight distribution.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 14\5\ Scan130 | |
| Date | 16th September 1929 | |
| SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} SECRET. X7005 R1/M16.9.29. C. to Mr. Fuller. " Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Cy. C. " By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} SS.{S. Smith} CARS. X.7770. X.7005. X.7830. Our objects in redesigning are :- (1)........ Improved riding qualities. (2)........ " appearance. (3)........ " performance - acceleration, hill climbing, maximum speed. (4)........ Ease of control - steering, etc. Our first object has be gained by changes, and of the distribution, and by improvement in our special hydraulic shock dampers, and to a less degree in the lubrication of road springs, and improvements in tyres. To take full advantages of these changes, and of the recently acquired knowledge on this subject, buyers and coach-builders should take advantage of the information supplied by us when choosing the type and design of body. So much can be done by placing the weight and seats in the most advantageous position. (a) Avoid placing the rear seats far back over the axle, but carry in this position weight in spare wheels, luggage, tools etc. (b) Avoid as much as possible weight central and in the front of the car (a spare wheel beside the bonnet should only be carried in this position temporarily when unavoidable.) The result will not be only better riding, but easier steering, parking, etc, and greater ease and safety of control. The riding has been improved by better lubrication of the spring leaves (RR. patent) from the central oiling system and also the road springs have been improved to give less concentration of weight at the ends of the leaves. (GENERAL NOTE. In obtaining the advanatges mentioned above we have retained our smoothness and silence, our admittedly superior reliability and wearing qualities, and our road clearance.) Improved appearance has been gained by making the frame as low as possible consistent with maintaining the necessary ground clearance. Actually by long and patient study at the drawingboard | ||