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).
Visit by Sir Henry Seagrave with a new Hispano Suiza 'Barcelona' model, detailing its specifications and a test run comparison.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 22\1\ Scan315 | |
| Date | 20th August 1923 | |
| X4214 To R.{Sir Henry Royce} FROM Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Dy.{F R Danby} c. to SS.{S. Smith} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson}3/MJ. 20.8.23. X4214. X7770. HISPANO SUIZA. -------------- Sir Henry Seagrave called at the works on the 19th.inst., with the latest Hispano Suiza. This had a Weymann body of the 18-EX type but only having two doors. We should say being a true Weymann that it was a lighter body than 18-EX. The total car scaled 44½ cwt., or exactly the same as 18-EX. (Petrol 2 Spare wheels.) The Boulogne Hispano has already been increased from 37 to 45 H.P. by increasing the bore from 100m.m. to 110 m.m. We understand from Major Seagrave that this car, which represents the new model, has had a further 4 m.m. put on the bore which makes it 114 m.m. x 140 m.m. against the Phantom 108 m.m. x 140m.m. This gives a ratio of 8570 to 7670 or the Hispano is now 11½% bigger than the Phantom. We understand that this model is to be known as the Barcelona model. We had a short run on the car. We could detect no difference of any magnitude between this car and the one we had at the works except :- (1) Improved performance. (2) Rather less engine noise possibly due to the fact that the car had only done 7,000 miles. (2) Much improved gear-box. (4) Improved riding. 6.75 balloon tyres are fitted but these are not standard. Rear seats are well forward of the rear axle. | ||