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 design, steering characteristics, and body structure for a small car model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 117\3\ scan0111 | |
| Date | 5th July 1940 | |
| -3- Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}7/JH.5.7.40. Neither the Vauxhall nor the Minx have such a tension shackle so we cannot look to them for help. We feel we should strive for this type of shackle on a small car because the shorter springs make the effect of the shackle upon the rating greater than in the case of the Senior Range. This is benificial on the Myth because of the greater difference between the laden and the unladen weight, and because of the lower normal rating to the rear suspension. We propose making some suggestions (for what they are worth) as to how we think this problem might be solved. We assume non-lubricated springs with inter-leaving and no lubrication in any formfor the spring eyes. The rear shackle bearing should be lubricated as rubber in this position could be very detrimental to the steering. We are proposing that this rear shackle mounting should have a cross-member between the brackets which would be rubber mounted to the frame not unlike the bath tub in the front of the car. (8) The rear springs as drawn to give approximately the same steering characteristics for the Myth as we have on the cars of the Senior Range. We do not like to take the risk of lowering the front end of the rear spring beyond the position shown, unless the experimental department will say that they think the greater degree of understeer in excess of that which we have on B.V. could be tolerated. (9) In view of the ramp on the inside of the scuttle there appeared little hope for the hand brake of the P.II type in this position and it was suggested that the central hand brake between the 2 front seats and mountdthe gearbox tunnel, would be a preferable solution. (10) In view of the remarks quoted in No.(5) concerning the amount of stiffness contributed by the roof as part of the loftice box structure, the saloon approaches more closely than before to the coupe. P.S.C. said thet the coupe could be produced by extending the outer cover plate of the front wheel barrow throughout the length of the frame side member and making it of thicker gauge material Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} | ||