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).
Modifications and preparations for the 21-G-IV 10,000 miles test in France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\4\ 04-page135 | |
| Date | 14th November 1934 | |
| To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From Ha/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to HoR. c. to R.{Sir Henry Royce} X5860 Ha/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}4/KW.14.11.34. 21-G-IV 10,000 miles Test. This car will be ready to go to France on Friday next; if convenient it will be available for you to try on that day. Since you tried the car at Bignall's corner at our last meeting we have altered the steering ratio of the Marles box fitted, the object of the modification being to lighten the steering. We now think that the steering is exceedingly good, considerably better than the standard 20/25. If it is considered by Sales that they would rather have a still lighter steering and a slightly lower gear ratio, we can have a Marles made up on these lines. The main object of running this steering is of course to prove the type in France, with a view to the design which is at present being prepared for the SpectreCodename for Phantom III. We have not fitted the stabilising bumper bar to this car because we have no design. Also, we think that the bumper bar which we have for the 20/25 is unnecessarily heavy in view of the fact that no serious complaints have been made. We are however sending out with 21-G-IV a bumper bar and lightened cross member which can be tried by G&H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} on a Bentley Saloon in France. This will give us confirmatory results on our own tests here. The anodised pistons have not proved successful on test, instead of them therefore, pistons having longer skirts of the standard type have been fitted. In other respects the car is to the specification we have already submitted. Ha/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||