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 superior steering and riding of the 10-EX sports car, with suggestions for improvements to other models.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\July1926-September1926\ Scan025 | |
| Date | 12th July 1926 | |
| R.R. 235A (100 T) (S.H. 159. 11-8-20) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2800 TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} ORIGINAL R6/M12.7.26. C. to BJ. WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} CWB. PN.{Mr Northey} STEERING, ETC, OF BLUE SPORTS CAR - 10-EX. X8430 X8770 X8410 Occasionally during the last fortnight I have been running the above car under varying conditions of traffic and speed. I am convinced that as far as we can see on the English roads the steering and riding of this car are definitely superior to anything we have ever produced, and possibly better than any other car in existence. I understand the car has the original Phantom steering, the only modification being the .940 pitch worm (of the original smaller dia.) and the 1500 lbs. per in. buffer springs in the longitudinal tube. This is a comparatively inexpensive modification that can be applied to any Phantom car in which the steering does not give entire satisfaction, in fact I believe it would pay us to alter all the Phantom cars when an economical opportunity arises, that is, for the sake of our reputation and future orders. In some ways (in this particular specimen) it would be almost preferable to the .720 with its still larger dia. worm, but this may be due to the thoroughly well lubricated front axle, which appears to have had an extra dose of oil, as the front wheel brakes are smothered with oil - (we have not oiled these parts since they left the Works.) The whole car - scuttle excluded - is very charming with one exception of detonations at slow engine revs. after slowing down, but in my judgment every motorist who wants a fast open car would prefer one similar to this particular specimen, and it is hoped that the new anti-detonating head will remove this objection. This new type of cylinder head and block should be tried on this car at the first possible opportunity, together with the lighter type of front axle, and perhaps other lighter features, such as the flywheel and clutch, carburetter, etc. My impressions are that the hydraulic dampers as applied to this car definitely improve its riding qualities. It is understood that when we have made the modifications mentioned above, and the coachbuilder has stiffened the scuttle and fitted smarter wings, it should be sent for Mr. Johnson, Mr. Northey, and other Sales officers, to criticize, as I am sure it would pull off many of the orders at present going to Hispano Suiza by such people as Lord Cholmondeley, and perhaps Lord Curzon. It will be noted that better stepirons are needed for the runningboards in this high position. There are some slight corrections to the change speed - (hydraulic.) R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||