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).
Performance review of the Wraith model's springing and roadability.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\2\ scan0224 | |
| Date | 10th March 1939 | |
| Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} -3- Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/EWC3/R.10.3.39. SPRINGING. The springing, I think, is excellent. One gets a most comfortable ride. Driving fairly fast the bumpers strike quite a bit, but that is what they are for. Generally speaking, I believe R-R cars have always had a rather small clearance at those points. The S.G. models were notorious. Reading a paper in the rear seat is quite easy @ 80 m.p.h. GENERAL PERFORMANCE. The impression the "Wraith" made was that it was extremely "genteel", perhaps too much so. The weight, about 4400 lbs, seems too high for the engine. Is the body work killing the car ? Possibly the average owner of a "Wraith" is content with "Wraith" performance. If he or she requires something snappier there is the Bentley which, apart from acceleration and speed, has 'eye-appeal' more in keeping with what one thinks one wants in 1939. The 'roadability' of the Wraith, I think, is remarkable. The shock absorbers are doing about double the work of similar instruments in the U.S. Although not good on acceleration, a high average speed should be possible for a car of this type simply on account of the qualities it possesses which give it roadability. If I win the Irish Sweep I shall buy a Bentley. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/E.W. Caswell. | ||