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).
Need for performance improvements to the Continental model based on higher geared axle ratio tests.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\1\ Scan109 | |
| Date | 4th June 1931 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} FROM EG. re Brooklands. Higher Copy to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Geared Axle Ratio H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} PN.{Mr Northey} Tests. Handwritten notes: Top Left: HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Top Centre: 87/20. Top Right: 8788, X7350, X7120, 2 copies. Stamp: RECEIVED 13 JUN 1931 SEC/ES. You will have received the report from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} in regard to the above under reference Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/KT.4.6.31. I also enclose copy of report I have received from PN{Mr Northey} on the subject which I thought you would like to see although it contains much the same information as that conveyed by the report referred to. It is quite evident to me that the Continental model would be a less attractive car for sale with a higher geared axle so long as we are only able to offer the standard power. These reports will, I think, show what we have been up against in connection with selling this Continental type car because the result of these tests shows that, even with the standard axle the Continental model with the small body is very little better from a performance point of view than our long wheelbase largest type limousine with face forward seats. What we really want and want urgently for this Continental model is the increase in power. I understand that the modifications to the twin carburettors to overcome the original difficulties have been made. There is also the question of the higher compression and a different camshaft. I gather that for the latter we are waiting for a design, and I should be glad to know how soon they can have this as it seems to me that we then ought to build all these features up into 27-EX (which already, I think, has the twin carburettors) so as to be able to make a complete test. The matter is really important because approximately one-third of our 40/50 sales since the Continental model was announced in October last have been for this model, and this despite the disadvantages from which it has been suffering. Nearly every time we try to sell one now, we come | ||