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).
Draft reply to Lord Curzon's letter regarding criticisms of the Phantom car's speed and performance.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\1\ scan0036 | |
| Date | 25th January 1928 | |
| To C. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott} c. to FN. c. to Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} 43531 X8950 X469 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG25.1.28. With reference to Lord Curzon's interesting letter. We have handled and had experience with most of the cars he mentions therefore we consider we are in a position to reply to some of his criticisms. We give below suggested reply which might be sent :- We were most interested in your remarks about the open touring Phantom car, also your observations on the question of speed. We think that it may conceivably be of interest to you to know what we think of the speed capabilities of the cars you mention as the performance of these cars has been investigated by us. As you are undoubtedly aware, at 70 m.p.h. and above the predominating resistance opposing the motion of a car is that of windage. We estimate that the horse power required to propel the car which you had through the air at 100 m.p.h. would considerably exceed 200 because the car is built for comfort and cleanliness, exactly the same chassis streamlined could be made 10-15 m.p.h. faster without very much difficulty. Therefore speed is largely a matter of the amount of discomfort with which the driver will put up. Taking the cars you mention as having superior qualities to those of the Phantom, we have a reasonably accurate knowledge of the performance of all these cars and the following are our impressions :- contd :- | ||