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).
Test drive report on a Phantom III with the front roll-rod disconnected.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 92\3\ scan0134 | |
| Date | 26th February 1937 | |
| 300a HOTEL DE FRANCE. CHATEAUROUX, Indre. France. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/IMW{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux}/2/JAB.26th February 1937. To. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} [Handwritten: o- Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}] [Handwritten Annotations: kes, Fitt, Sott, APW] 35-EX. PHANTOM III. Front Roll-Rod. We disconnected the front roll-rod yesterday as requested and I drove the car about 100 miles over a varied route. I preferred the car without the front roll-rod. I found it required less conscious effort to keep the car straight on uneven and cambered surfaces at maximum speed. Cornering was just as easy and there was no tendency to over-steer. There was no rolling either when swerving or when cornering in an ordinary manner. The only difference in this respect was when taking a corner near the limit, the outside front corner of the car then dipped in a way that did not occur when the roll-rod was in action. This did not affect the steering or control of the car and was not at all objectionable as there was still no sign of rolling at the rear of the car. The steering remained free from joggles on the straight but slightly more reactions could be felt when cornering. These were not sufficient to upset the control or make the steering unpleasant. There was rather more float at the front without the roll-rod. This was not objectionable and increased the comfort of the ride. The harshness due to the front roll-rod, although not bad enough to be complained of, was noticeable for its absence. The road holding was not impaired in any way. Confirmation of these results by the other drivers has not been possible owing to further failures at the rear referred to in separate memo. I think some people might prefer the rather more rigid feel with the front roll-rod in action, but it would only be a matter of personal taste. The front roll-rod on this car is not at all necessary and the cost would not be justified. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} Frank. Waller. | ||