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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).
Maximum speed of the 20 HP car, the possibility of a sporting model, and a comparison to Bentley.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 29\3\  Scan113
Date  9th January 1923
  
BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}

X788

Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG9.1.23.

RE. SPEED OF 20 HP. CAR.

X788
XLH34

We attach copy of report ref. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG18.8.22 of the maximum speed that has been recorded on the 20 HP.
This was taken on 4-Goshawk-11 fitted with the small Hooper open body, free exhaust and 14 tooth axle.
We have had in our minds that there would be a demand from Sales for a sporting type 20 HP. It was considered by R.{Sir Henry Royce} during my last visit and as pointed out in my memo. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/LG6.1.23, it was agreed that Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} should prepare designs for a sporting type 40/50 also a 20 HP.
Although we may improve the 20 HP. with a proper body, I do not think we shall be able to beat the Bentley.
The Bentley engine was designed specifically for speed.

Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}

[Watermark: DICKINSON BOND]
  
  


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