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).
Springing comfort issues and shock absorber performance on the Phantom model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67a\1\ scan0148 | |
| Date | 20th April 1926 | |
| R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Na.{Mr Nadin} X8410 Copy to E.W.H & M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Beavan Na{Mr Nadin}2/W20.4.26. RE PHANTOM SPRINGING. Your memo R1/M14.4.26 re the above subject covers the ground as far as we are concerned in the United States. We feel as you do, that the rear springs are capable of adjustment according to weight to give a suspension as comfortable as we desire. We have felt, as you mention, that any type of Shock Absorber other than the hydraulic, will give uncomfortable riding on bassable roads at slow speeds, hence our adoption with your approval, of the Lovejoy type. The front springing on the "Silver Ghost" type of car without front wheel brakes had also been reduced to a very satisfactory state. The effect of the friction absorbers on the front springs did not seem to affect the comfort in the rear seats and were very satisfactory indeed. By suitable adjustment, the friction "bobbing" at the front of the car could be practically eliminated. Some time ago, in making experiments on our front springs at Springfield, we fitted springs which were about 10% to 15% stronger than the standard. We found cars so fitted were extremely uncomfortable in the rear seats due to the horizontal constant vibration set up by the movement of the front of the car. Apparently the quicker this movement is the greater is the discomfort, the effect being to constantly shake one's head if one leans back against the seat. We think our complaint against the present springing is this particular fault, hence our suggestion to reduce the strength of the front springs. We are sure that if you can give us front springs which have a rating approximately the same as those on the "Silver Ghost" our springing complaints will disappear. Na.{Mr Nadin} | ||