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).
The faults and performance of a competitor's 20HP Lorraine Detreich car.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\2October1926-December1926\ Scan030 | |
| Date | 2nd November 1926 | |
| TO BJ. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} C. to WGR. PN.{Mr Northey} HM.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} CWB. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} " Mr. MINCHIN ORIGINAL R1/M2.11.26. 20HP. LORRAINE DETREITCH. X3588/4684 I thought this might be a very definite competitor, and from reports it would tell us how to make our 20HP. simpler or more powerful. However they swallow faults we dread - for instance, it appears that the crankshaft has its master torsional vibration period - (i.e. 3 per rev.) at 1800-1900 revs., and undamped it is distressing, and we think dangerous at this frequently used speed - i.e. approximately 45 MPH. The back axle is badly controlled sideways, so spoiling the steering of the car. The brakes require excessive foot pressure: there is no servo. The springing of the sports model is unbearably stiff, and altogether, although a rather fine looking chassis it seems altogether wrong from the point of view of a motor carriage. Regarding maximum power they guarantee 80 MPH., but we believe we could also make an equal performance after some development work we have in mind, and a similar sports equipment. It might be worth while to have something next spring for demonstration on Brooklands, to dispel any impression that RR. cars do not give good HP. We shall await further reports from HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||