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).
12,000-mile test report of the S.S.I. Spectre in France, comparing its performance against the Phantom and Cadillac.
| Identifier | Morton\M18\ img029 | |
| Date | 31th July 1935 | |
| To MG. From Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} c to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c to R.{Sir Henry Royce} c to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c to Ep.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c to Bx. c to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ✓ <300 a Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}/JAB. 31.7.35 S.S.I. SPECTRECodename for Phantom III. test in France Report at 12,000 Miles Specification to RHC{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}/CWS/EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} 13.6.35 The general impression of the Car is, that with minor alterations, there is every possibility of producing a Car, superior in every respect to the Phantom. In comparison with the Cadillac, the Car feels at all speeds under control. The acceleration exceeds that of the Phantom, up to speeds of 70 MPH. It is accomplished with smoothness and silence. With maximum speeds on the long stretches of the Continental roads, there is no sign of the Engine power failing, so frequently met with on other makes of Cars. Slow running is not as yet, a good feature. SPRINGING. The Springing of the Car is ideal for the Continental roads. The riding in the rear seats is very good, in many respects it is superior to that of the Cadillac we tried over here. At low and medium speeds, very little of the undulating road surface can be felt. On good surfaced roads it is ideal, in the front seats the ride is not quite so good. The front of the Car hits the buffers too frequently. In our opinion a Torsion Rod would improve it. With softer Tyres such as the latest Michelin which we have tried, adds a further luxury to the riding qualities. STEERING. It is free from the usual Phantom violent reactions of the road wheels. The period of slight reactions, between 40 & 60 miles per hour can be easily checked by a firmer grip of the wheel, without any undue distress. The Steering is stable & selective, choose what speed the Car is driven. The ratio is right for cornering, manoeuvring, and controlability at high speeds. The self centering is positive. At medium speeds, it has a tendency to self centre too readily. BRAKES. The Braking is good with the increased front Braking. It is progressive with the load applied to the foot pedal. No undue pressure is required. There has been no undue failing of the Brakes with continual use. Wear of the linings is normal for Continental use. | ||