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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).
Suspension tests and steering control, comparing a Hispano model to the Phantom.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 24\1\  Scan023
Date  28th May 1939 guessed
  
contd :- -2-

pedestrian crossing the road. Repeat the test with no damping.
In the second case the steering will feel quite uncontrollable but
the fault will be in the rear of the car.

Our suspension tests shew that the Hispano rides like
a truck - it would not be tolerated for one moment by 50% of R-R
customers. This car is held up as a fine example of high speed
control when fitted with side steering tube springs, but one-eighth
of the strength of those at present standard on the Phantom.

Hispano. R.R.
Rating lbs. to produce 430 3500
1" deflection. lbs. lbs.

We have a side steering tube fitted to a normally sprung RR. car
with the Hispano springs arranged in it. We cannot drive the RR.
at high speeds under these conditions with good steering control.

We feel that the present demand for ultra weak rear
springs with little or no damping will without doubt increase com-
plaints of instability at high speeds.

The solution to this particular complaint seems to be
largely a case of catering for the requirements of the individual.
If a car is to be driven at high speeds, it must be sprung accord-
ingly. As, however, the behaviour of the car at normal road speeds
has previously been considered of primary importance, the springs
available for the rear of the 40/50 HP. will not give racing car
results. We believe however, that if this kind of riding is
required, considerable improvement can be effected by obtaining a
special type of spring.


Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/W.A. Robotham.
  
  


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