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).
For a board meeting outlining eleven car design objectives.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 69\4\ scan0166 | |
| Date | 25th May 1927 | |
| To BJ. FOR BOARD MEETING. FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} +8770 R3/M25.5.27. OUR CAR OBJECTIVES. X. 8770 X. 5770 X. 5420 X. 8410 X. 8430 (1) To increase the road clearance on the rear bump, rear tank, exhaust pipe etc. (2) To improve the riding qualities of the 40/50 - centre of gravity further back. (3) To improve the steering qualities of the 40/50. (4) To make the 40/50 back axle with parallel control like 20 HP., for smoother running in the transmission. (5) To improve the appearance by lowering the frame without decreasing the road clearance (both chassis). Incidentally this helps (2) and (3). (6) To decrease the weight of the 40/50 engine (lighter Phantom) - helping (2) and (3), and also increasing the acceleration. There are many advantages in the modifications we are making - easier to get silence, lower cost, decreased tendency to detonations. At present final designs being completed at WW. (7) Better support of the body. (8) Easier lubrication, (central with tubes), air-chamber scheme of distribution. (9) New 20 HP. front axle, of the same type as the recent 40/50 lighter axle, which has technical features and quantities that have proved so advantageous. (10) Many starter and ignition improvements. (11) New smaller, simpler, lighter and less expensive gearbox for Phantom. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||