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).
Response to daily reports regarding the testing and development issues of a Wraith prototype car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\1\ scan0047 | |
| Date | 30th July 1937 | |
| 600a Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/IMW.{Ivan M. Waller - Head of Chateauroux} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}6/R.30.7.37. WRAITH DAILY REPORTS. We sent Roberts out with the Wraith car expressly so that you should know the purpose for which it was being run. From your reports it is apparent that you do not realise the stage of development which the Wraith has reached. The car was sent out to France to test the brakes, suspension, steering, gearbox and fuel system. The engine unit is in no way finalised, either as regards engine mounting or main constructional features. The only reason we put this engine in the car was to get a figure of merit for the larger crankshaft, and to find out if the cheaper type of bottom tappet fitted would stand up to road test without picking up. We knew the tappets were noisy before the car left the Works. When you have reported a fault on the car, it is not the least use reiterating the complaint unless you can, at the same time, give us some information on how to improve matters. We expect you to give us intelligent in-formation on any trouble which you encounter. You must realise that you have one of the only two up-to-date Wraith cars in existence. You also have a gang of testers with nothing else to do but work on this car. The feature I am most concerned about is the Daily Report which goes to the Managing Director. The Managing Director is not technical. At the present moment he thinks that the Wraith car is a hopeless failure. He does not understand why it was ever sent to France. He reads that the "Propeller Shaft clonks and rings on sudden torque application". He does not know that it will cost 3d to put it right, but you could have found this out from Roberts. On your Report of the 25th July you mention that the torque of the engine cannot be controlled owing to a defect in the design of the engine mounting. On the 27th you report that the clutch engagement is spoiled by shaking of the engine. You also report that on full throttle engine movements are noticeable on the pedal. | ||