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).
Improving the riding qualities of 40/50 and 20HP cars.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\Q\July1927-September1927\ Scan010 | |
| Date | 9th July 1927 | |
| TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} ORIGINAL. Cc to BJ. LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott} PN.{Mr Northey} WOB. EW. CWP. RIDING QUALITIES. Handwritten notes: Y8410, X235, XS410, Y4565, X8470, Y8840 For improved riding qualities of our cars - both 40/50. and 20HP. - we have the following advantages over our earlier work, (but it is also necessary that the weight distribution should be carried out as instructed, and that the spring rating should be very care - fully proportioned to the average running weight of the individual cars.) (1) Low pressure tyres - 6.75" for 40/50. and 6" for 20HP. (2) RR. hydraulic shock dampers, which are definitely superior to mechanical ones, or single acting hydraulic ones, or those depending on viscosity only. (3) We still require the spare wheel to be carried at the rear, and the battery as far back in the frame as possible, also the tools and spares. (4) We shall have in the near future the lightening of the engine and clutch, and everything on the front wheels. Redistribution of weight, if ideally done, acts doubly by reason of removing the source of trouble to a point where it increases the comfort of riding. (5) With the front axle control we shall go back to the most flexible front springs that we can use, without undue bumping on the buffers. The improved distribution of weight, and reduction of the weight on the front wheels, is far more important than more flexible front springs. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||