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).
Internal memorandum detailing proposed alterations to chassis 3.BT.81 for Sir Herbert Smith to resolve ride and handling issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\1\ scan0370 | |
| Date | 21th February 1939 | |
| 361. To Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} c. to W/S. C c. to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} BY/SB{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister}3/MG.21.2.39 CHASSIS 3.BT.{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer}81 - SIR HERBERT SMITH We are going to have a final go at getting Sir Herbert to take this car without recourse to changing the chassis or the body. If this does not succeed, there is no option but to come to a decision regarding an exchange. It is generally agreed that the scuttle "shimmy" is as good as we can get it at the present moment - in fact Sir Herbert does not take exception to this particular feature. It is agreed, however, that this is not a pleasant car to drive, because of: (a) Pitching and instability at speed (b) General Engine roughness. This is partly due to tightening up the engine mounting, but we think the slipper drive is the chief offender. (c) Steering joggles. In view of the above, we think the right thing to do is to revert to the standard Phantom III Rear Springs, since this would have to be done in any case if we were to dispose of the chassis to anybody else, and to readjust the shock absorbers, which at present have considerably more leak than is desirable. We would also like to try the effect of fitting more flexible Front Springs, since the vibrations and distortion come from the front of the car. Summarizing, therefore, will you please carry out the following alterations: 1 - Re-fit the two Rear Springs which were taken off prior to fitting the present low rated Springs. (These, we believe, were 1325 lbs.) 2 - Make the leak in the front dampers .010" and fit a set of low rated Front Springs at present in 30-MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} The ones now in Sir Herbert's car can be transferred to 30-MX{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} to keep the latter car running. (Continued) | ||