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).
Concerns over the 20HP model, including inappropriate body fittings and engine performance issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5\2\ 02-page283 | |
| Date | 3rd October 1929 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to SC. LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott} (for C.S.C.) WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} C. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} 20HP. CARS. I am afraid that in many ways we are spoiling the reputation of this model. (not following my advice.) Sales, and customers, will insist upon fitting bodies which should only be carried on Phantoms. EXAMPLE. I asked for a 20HP. and driver to go to Brooklands, (on aero business to Hawker's, and to see car superchargers,) hoping to get one of the light twenties, but was given a huge 6 or 7 seater, high and wide - our demonstration car. We rode most uncomfortably, well behind the back axle. It was too long a body for the wheelbase. I wish we could find wisdom enough to refuse orders for chassis to be so equipped: it would pay. ================ Works I now understand agree that the big bore is actually giving less HP. than the smaller bore over 50 MPH., probably at 2500 RPM. If so something must be wrong, and worse than what I feared. A few hours analysis would show if this is - (1) Carburation. (2) Cross passage. (3) Induction pipe. (4) Gas passages. (5) Exhaust. Amongst other things too much heat may get to the ingoing gas during passage through cylinder block, as well as excessive depression. Mr. Lovesey should be put on this work at once and see what parts must be changed. (SOMETHING MUST BE DONE QUICKLY.) ================ The above urges us to work incessantly on the improved model like my 16-G-4., leaving out those parts which will delay a car going to France within the next few weeks, and making no more of the present. (1) | ||