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).
Comparing a Graham-Paige car to a Phantom II after a test run, detailing its engine, steering, suspension, and performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\1\ scan0121 | |
| Date | 24th May 1934 | |
| Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} E Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}15/MH.{M. Huckerby}24.5.34 re GRAHAM-PAIGE CAR -------------------- As requested, I was able to give this car a short run last night, and in comparing it with our Phantom II one appreciates that there are a number of features about this car from which we have a lot to learn. One cannot call it a very quiet engine when idling, but on the road the engine is quieter and sweeter. There is no appreciable valve mechanism or valve clatter period, as exists with the Phantom, and also the engine revs continue to give power without being fussy. The steering and controlability of the car is also a great improvement; also the front of the car is stable and there appears to be less jellying and general tramping going on. The steering is also free from joggles. Steering, however, at high speeds, does not feel particularly stable and appears to be affected by the swaying of the car. The springing of the car I should not say was very favourable and is inclined to pitch and throw one about rather badly in the rear seats. The performance seems particularly good, and in its present condition better than the Phantom for acceleration and for speed, particularly climbing. At the same time it seems a much lighter car. There appears to be an absence of drive 'groans' and boom periods, nor does the car suffer from jiggling or shudder when using the clutch, or 'chunking' in the drive; they are features about which we appear to have a lot to learn. The brakes, I should say, were poor, and apart from lack of progressive action they seemed unreliable for high speed work. EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} | ||