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).
Development policy for the Goshawk and Seagull chassis, with a focus on universal joints.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\J\February1923\ Scan3 | |
| Date | 7th February 1923 | |
| R.R. 235A (100 T) (S.H. 159, 11-8-20) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2800 ORIGINAL. TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} c.c. to CJ. R1/M7.2.23. X9810 X3481 Y3324 RE. GOSHAWK 1. & SEAGULL. With reference to Goshawk 1. I think this should be made into a satisfactorily running chassis for the sake of the education we can get from it. For the time being I have decided it is the best policy to go on with the Seagull as we have it, that is, the Goshawk scheme, with certain modifications that we already have, such as engine on under frame, separate gearbox, etc. After I return from Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence I shall again go over the question of universal joints to find out whether we can make these more reliable and lasting. I do not think however that they need give any serious cause for anxiety as there are so many cars running satisfactorily with open propeller shafts, such as our earlier 40/50s, Delage, Daimler, London 'buses, etc. The only other chassis we can consider is that like Goshawk 1. and the Marmon. Goshawk 1. was originally intended to be a model for the Seagull, but having found Goshawk 11. so very satisfactory we decided that [as - crossed out] this is in many ways the better scheme as regards holding the road, lightness of back axle, etc. We ought to work at the universal joints until there is no cause for anxiety on these. Kindly report on the condition of the joints on the Delage. These we should expect to be bad. Also the Essex, which we know are not oil retaining. R.{Sir Henry Royce} [Stamped: RECEIVED FEB 10 1923] | ||