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).
Chassis improvements, including front springs, front wheel brakes, and the gearbox.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\M\2April1925-June1925\ Scan131 | |
| Date | 1st June 1925 | |
| SECRET. R4/M20. 6. 25. C. to [REDACTED] HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} TO [REDACTED] FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} INDIA. K5770 K5410 Y5310 HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} was here on Friday the 19th inst. with India. This is a chassis which has been improved since the one left for France, which I saw. The following advantages were distinctly manifest, and clears up some doubts in my mind:- (1) The front springs were 20% stronger than the old 20HP. standard. You will remember that I did not anticipate any serious disadvantage from these, and in my opinion the change is a decided all round advantage, not only reducing the tendency for the steering to be disturbed when turning a sharp corner, or when applying the brakes, but it prevents the frequent striking of the buffers, and also very definitely keeps the front of the car more steady, so that the riding in any part of the car is decidedly more pleasant. In addition to this the front springs will be less liable to break, and as far as I can see these 4 advantages are not discounted by any disadvantage. It would be quite satisfactory to me to proceed with the supply of springs of this 20% - or even 25% - increased stiffness, and this same camber which gives us the correct clearance between the frame and the spring clips. I am delighted with this result. (2) There are a few improvements I wish introduced in the actuating shaft of the front wheel brakes. These are in the hands of Derby and do not amount to any serious changes. It would be as well to do these at once so that there is no confusion about the spares. The biot-squeak damper was also fitted, good & simple. (3) Regarding the gearbox it has now been demonstrated that the torsionally free double pinion combined with a suitable position and length of the broached teeth to fit the splines definitely and uniformly cures. every gearbox of this pattern from working out (1) | ||