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).
Technical memorandum responding to points raised about suspension, braking, carburation, and synchromesh.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\4\ scan0094 | |
| Date | 14th June 1937 | |
| W/S. C. from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 261 B.186-GA. - E.G. Kleinwort. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/R.14.6.37. Referring to the technical points raised in your C8/C11.6.37:- SUSPENSION. Obviously we agree with the remarks on independent suspension. BRAKING. We do not agree that the self-energising brake shoe compares with the servo-operating brake on a car such as the Bentley. We have tried many American cars. If driven hard, the self-energising brake loses its effectiveness. In any example so far tried, the variation in braking efficiency between the condition when the brakes are cold and hot is great. On the other hand, we agree that when a car is built down to a price, the self-energising hydraulic operating brake is a good compromise. With regard to brake distribution, we have endeavoured to give Mr. Kleinwort the increased front braking which he thinks desirable. On our standard production, however, we are maintaining the distribution which experience indicates is most suitable for the average driver. CARBURATION. We believe we are correct in saying that 90% of the cars which raced in the Tourist Trophy and other road races, where acceleration is of vital importance, use S.U. Carburetters. Certainly the first and second cars for the last three years have used these instruments. We, therefore, find it difficult to concur with Mr. Kleinwort's views on this subject. SYNCHROMESH ON 2nd SPEED. Since this is fitted to the Wraith gearbox, our views are obvious. | ||