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).
Test report on the modified steering of a 'New Phantom' chassis, No. 8-EX.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\3\ scan0318 | |
| Date | 5th November 1925 | |
| CH. C. to BJ. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} COPY. CWB1/LH{Mr Haworth}5.11.25. "NEW PHANTOMCodename for PHANTOM I" CHASSIS No. 8-EX. (Modified Steering). This car was tested by PN.{Mr Northey} Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} and myself on Wednesday, the 4th November. It was finally considered impossible to give a final opinion on this matter of the steering without more extended tests than were possible during the limited time that the car was available. For this reason it was impossible to form any opinion of the stability of the car at high speeds and on bad roads. It was difficult to form a true impression also, owing to the particular steering of this car having a tendency to stick at any angle, which rendered the mechanism irreversible and altogether spoiled the general feeling of the steering. Note. Subsequent conversation with Hancock, who brought the car from Derby, showed that this was a very recent development, that it had not occurred at all during the tests at Derby, and had only been noticed by them - and that very slightly - on the road down from Derby, which is probably only due to some slight minor trouble, not in any way inherent in the design. It was thought also that the tyre pressures of the front tyres (just under 50 lbs.) with the special semi-balloon tyres fitted, tended towards giving a more favourable view than was probably justified. As regards road shocks, a very con-siderable improvement was apparent under the conditions of the test, i.e. at low and medium speeds over such bumps and pot-holes as could be found in the London district, but a more prolonged test and at higher speeds is required before a definite conclusion can be reached regarding this. It was quite definitely realised if the final compromise on this question must include this lower gear ratio, the general attractive control of the Rolls-Royce car in traffic will be seriously affected. What with our standard steering necessitates only a wrist or fore-arm movement with only one hand, will become | ||