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).
Comparing the trial performance of a Cadillac and a 21-G-IV model in France, focusing on comfort, engine, and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\1\ scan0151 | |
| Date | 29th January 1935 | |
| SECRET. [Handwritten signature and note: Ram F.{Mr Friese} Dodd -] To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Copy to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} F.{Mr Friese} EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Cdr.{W. J. Chandler - Chief Clerk} Hmr. Trial of Cadillac and 21-G-IV in France. Referring to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}15/KW.14.1.35 I made, as you know, a test of this car in and around Paris and in direct comparison with 21-G-IV I endorse all that is said in the memorandum referred to above. The Cadillac springing and general comfort in riding over a long run is extraordinarily good, - in fact one might say disquieteningly good when compared with our own cars. I am only sorry that E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} was not able to take the opportunity of trying it personally in France. The engine is also extraordinarily good from the point of view of quietness under practically all conditions of use. The steering of course is too low geared judged by English standards but the rapid and definite way in which it self-centres after cornering helps to reduce the amount of effort in driving. On Page 2 of the memo. referred to, in paragraph 4, it says that judging by the freedom from excessive tyre wear and the continued absence of road shocks - (which to me was a delight after RR steering) - there is no justification at present for departing from the Cadillac independent front wheel geometry on the SpectreCodename for Phantom III or from their type of steering, otherxthanxthexgexrxratio; and I should be glad if E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} would let me know whether on the SpectreCodename for Phantom III we are departing from the Cadillac geometry or from their type of steering other than the gear ratio. If so, why and with what anticipated benefits in view, because it seemed to me that, apart from the question of the lowness of the gear, it would be difficult to improve the general characteristics. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} | ||