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).
Evaluating the performance of the No. 6 Goshawk car, focusing on its steering, control, and unsatisfactory suspension compared to the No. 4 model.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\I\October1922\ Scan49 | |
| Date | 10th September 1922 | |
| To HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c.c. to CJ. c.c. to Bd.{Mr Berend} RE. 6. GOSHAWK ED{J. L. Edwards} X4261 X4329 X4551 The steering of this car seems quite satisfactory. I have rushed it over rough roads without objectionable shocks reaching the hands. The control also seems quite reliable. I am hoping however that you will find the springs we have suggested will quite satisfy you as regards control, and will limit the shocks to a reasonable amount. No.6. Goshawk appears to be a reasonable car in many respects, giving quite decent satisfaction, but for my personal taste it is hardly fast enough and I am sure we ought to find out what the Goshawk chassis will be like with the heavy bodies before constructing any more such bodies. You will remember that for a luxury car of R-R expectations I tried to limit the Sales dept. to be content with 5 seats. I still believe I was right. Regarding the springing of No.6.Goshawk this is not good, being much more harsh than 4.Goshawk, which was excellent. I think both the front springs and the back springs are too stiff and possibly the rear shock absorbers should have every plate of different clearance so as to be more definitely of the progressive order; also test Watson stabiliser.(X4551) When I get 4.Goshawk back, or you bring 6.EX to WW. I will get you to examine these No.6. shock dampers and see if they are correct with those you are turning out. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||