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).
Letter detailing a car accident, including the driver's explanation and a damage report.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\2\ scan0016 | |
| Date | 12th August 1927 | |
| COPY. MOTORS LIMITED, 26 Flinders Street, ADELAIDE, 12th August, 1927. B. Arthur Peat, Esq., Box 1120H, G.P.O. SYDNEY. Dear Sir, We acknowledge receipt of your letter of August 5th with reference to the accident to Mr. Napier Birks' Rolls-Royce Car. We give below explanation given by Mr.Ellis who was driving the car when the accident occurred. Date - April 1927. Chassis No. 44RC.{R. Childs} Type of Car - Touring 5 seater Size of tyres - 33 x 5.77 semi balloon. Number of passengers - four. Owner's Address - Park Terrace, Parkside, S.Aust. I was testing the above car for steering wobble when between 60 and 70 M.P.H. the car set up a terrific wobble which I was unable to control. It started quite suddenly and the car pulled to the offside into a high boxthorn hedge at the same time turning completely round and over on the near side of the car. No one was hurt, only badly shaken, and I was able to drive the car home. My theory as to cause of accident is:- Balloon tyres on front wheels. Near side front tyre tube blew out. Front springs were rebound, not R.R. Too much movement in side steering tube springs which does not give driver any chance of control during a high speed wobble. Damage to car. Hood wrecked. Front and rear guards near side badly bent and rear side body panel. Windscreen smashed. Side lamp (near side) and mascot broken off. | ||