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 discussing Spectre suspension, oil consumption, and comparison testing with a Cadillac.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\2\ scan0184 | |
| Date | 12th December 1934 | |
| X1749A To G.W. Hancock, Esq., Hotel de France, Chateauroux, Indre, France. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}12/KW.12.12.34. SpectreCodename for Phantom III Suspension. We are somewhat concerned on the SpectreCodename for Phantom III springing because when we go over a hump-backed bridge the passenger gets thrown very violently off the rear seat. As an example, on one of the bridges between the Works and the Red Gate a passenger practically hits the roof at a road speed of no more than 35 m.p.h. We should be glad to know how the Cadillac behaves under similar circumstances. We thank you for the information concerning the re-commencement of the Cadillac test. We are anxious that both cars shall as nearly as possible complete10,000 miles together, so that we can arrange for the coachwork of the two cars to be tried alongside one another. Regarding the oil consumption, 20/25 this of course has been poor throughout your test, and in order to determine whether this is due to the lead bronze bearings or to the extra cylinder lubrication provided by the holes drilled in the connecting rod we should like you to plug up the small holes in the connecting rod, and see if this has any effect on the oil consumption. If it does not we shall conclude that we require different scraper rings with the lead bronze big ends to those fitted in the ordinary way. You could probably get the grooves opened out of some standard rings in Paris, and repeat the test. If not we can send some out to you. We should recommend .075 groove width. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||