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).
Review of competitor vehicles, Hispano and Chrysler, detailing brakes, suspension, and engine mounting.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 182\M19\ img262 | |
| Date | 26th October 1931 | |
| -5- The brakes appeared to be exactly similar to previous Hispano practice. The clutch is now a multiplate (7 or 8 plates) and operated satisfactorily. The steering was reasonably light and free from shocks. It was interesting to note that in spite of a deep frame and obviously stiff front springs, they suffer quite as much as we do from wing and head lamp movement since they removed the engine rigidity from the frame. It is also interesting to note that in spite of having a 12 cyl. unit they still find it necessary to mount it in rubber and hold it at three points only. We do not consider that the result they have obtained is any superior in smoothness to 25-EX with diamond engine mounting but they have a somewhat better performance. It is of interest to note that Hispano's are now beginning to take an interest in suspension and supply Delco Lovejoy shock absorbers as an accessory. They also fit two Splex twin carburetters, scintilla ignition and auto lift petrol pump. 33.8 HP. CHRYSLER. 8 cyl. 82 mm. x 108 mm. 4,624 33.8 HP. tax. Wheelbase 10'4". Track 4'9½" Tax £34. This car has taken the place of the smaller straight eight 3400 cc. previously reported on. The one we tried had a sedan body without partition and weighed 37 cwt. The most noticeable difference between the two models is improved performance, the acceleration being excellent. They do not supply American made/bodies for this chassis - they only have stock partitioned bodies for the Imperial (6308 cc.). The steering is wonderfully light and is typical of the improvement that has recently been made in America on this item. The brakes are not up to the rest of the car. The main alterations from the previous model are :- Engine Mounting. A solid single support at the back of the unit which enables the four other engine feet to be on very thick slabs of soft rubber (i.e. half our diamond engine mounting). | ||