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).
Competitor vehicle features, engine trends, and performance analysis of American cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\4\ img009 | |
| Date | 4th November 1935 | |
| -3- Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/KW.4.11.35. (18) Variable pitch radiator fans. These I understand are only being fitted to standard cars. (19) The latest information on suspension generally and riding. (20) The general feeling in the States with regard to the straight 8 engine. Is its popularity declining in favour of the V.8 ? Is any long engine likely to be possible with modern views on riding comfort ? (21) A weight analysis where obtainable of any of the cheap cars produced in America. I got a complete weight analysis for the Pontiac when I was in America, which was most useful to us. It is as well to remember that we have bought a 16-cylinder Cadillac from the American Company, and that therefore they have an interest in us. We ought to give them the fullest possible information as to our opinion as the result of our tests, more particularly with regard to the way the front suspension wore out, the condition of the exhaust valves at the completion of the test, the big end failure, etc., etc. In view of the fact that our Bentley big ends seemed right on the limit with the large bore engine, we should like to know how Cadillacs are getting on with their V-12 where the ends are very much narrower. We should remember that we have also bought cars from the Graham people, and the Hudson-Essex people. The progress of such cars is an introduction, and by describing where they fall short of English requirements a certain amount of interest can be aroused. In particular Hudsons definitely cater for the English Export Market, and in my opinion they still have not got enough steering selectivity or road holding. | ||