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).
Advantages of fitting special springs for fast touring to the 20/25 model, using car GLR-50 as a reference.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 47\2\ Scan391 | |
| Date | 7th November 1930 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} X4117 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rml/AD7.11.30. X.4117. X.5410. BERNARD HOPPS GLR-50. With reference to the suggestion that the 20/25 should be sprung for fast touring. At the present moment GLR-50 is fitted with standard springs and excessive damping. We believe that better all round results can be achieved by fitting special springs and less severe damping. The advantages we claim for the special type of spring as fitted to 26-EX are :- (1) Lower the car 1". This is invaluable for stability. It also makes a surprising difference to appearance. To drop the car by any other means we have to fit a hypoid rear axle etc. as on 18-GIV. (2) Saving in Weight. A set of springs can be made about 30 lbs. lighter than standard. As spring steel is very expensive this means a definite saving in cost if ordered in quantities. (3) Steering improvement. There is no doubt that these stiffer springs improve the selectivity of the steering. The simplest way of putting the position is to compare the controllability of 26-EX with 1-WJ. There is no reason why we should not make a similar difference to the 20/25. If it is considered policy to deal with 20/25 cars in this way we can get a set of special springs made up and put them through our normal test for reliability etc. on the bump. They would then be available for any customer. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||