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).
Notes on undersheet mock-ups and general chassis performance observations including ride, steering and suspension.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\3\ scan0240 | |
| Date | 9th May 1938 | |
| -15- Undersheets (mock-up scheme). Two one-piece trays under engine and gearbox. These proved most satisfactory, and a scheme incorporating various increased clearances found necessary, has been evolved for production. General Notes on the chassis. The ride was good, the suspension reasonably quiet, and the dampers free from knocks. The steering was light, selective and good for freedom from joggles. The rear of the car slid out at relatively low cornering speed and the back wheels were inclined to skid on wet roads; this feature can be improved by larger section tyres, or a front roll rod. Steering column shake was experienced on certain types of road surface. The worst feature was the side-shake at the rear of the body due to insufficient lateral resistance in the mountings. This was reduced by means of a transverse stay between the rear of the body and frame, as on Ph.III, which was fitted experimentally at the end of the mileage. The fitting of the stay also reduced the steering column shake. It is recommended for production. The general characteristics are incomparably superior to the present standard 25/30 production. The front suspension stripped exceptionally well. There were slight cracks in the offside yoke but these were shown in the Laboratory examination to be forging cracks. | ||