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).
Driving position for the Continental Phantom, recommending adjustable steering options for owner drivers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 68\1\ scan0014 | |
| Date | 8th February 1928 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} OY. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rml/LG18.2.28. CONTINENTAL PHANTOM - DRIVING POSITION. We consider that it is of primary importance that the Continental Phantom should have a driving position that is comfortable for any owner. Almost all the enjoyment of piloting a really fast car at high speeds is lost unless all the controls are in exactly the right place. We anticipate that the Continental Phantom will be sold almost entirely to owner drivers. We do not think that it is possible satisfactorily to cater for every size of person with one rake and length of steering column. For an averaged sized man up to 5 ft. 10 ins. in height, everyone at Derby who has driven the Sports car is agreed that the steering position on 15-EX is very satisfactory. If anything, the impression is that even better control would be obtained with the wheel nearer the driver. This is after experience of driving the car several thousand miles. It is quite clear that this position is not comfort- able for anyone of PN{Mr Northey}'s build. We believe, however, that with two steering column lengths differing by say two inches, and a range of rake allowing the wheel to be lifted or lowered 2.0", that it would be possible to really fit any particular car to its owner with entire satisfaction. We recommend that we do allow the customer some slight choice as to steering column length and rake on the Continental Phantom otherwise a lot of the charms of driving this car will be lost. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} | ||