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).
Customer's complaints about steering issues on a Phantom model compared to his Minerva.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\4\ Scan090 | |
| Date | 22th October 1934 | |
| x7430 W/S - C. c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux}4/KW.22.10.34. Re 128-PY. Mons. Gustave Wyns. Replying to C15/C18.10.34. M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Wyns still owns his large Minerva and in spite of his complaints of the Phantom steering and brakes, apparently prefers it to his Minerva, as he uses the Phantom on all his long journeys. He frankly admits that to steer the Minerva requires a super-human being for cornering. The steering being heavy and not reversible does not transmit road shocks to the steering wheel, and while he admits the steering of the Phantom to be light, he is up against the sharp oscillation and joggling of the wheel. He did not say anything about the comfort of riding, which was exceedingly good on the Phantom. Also, the acceleration and maximum speed were superior to the Minerva. If the steering was definitely cured, M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} Wyns would then complain of the inefficiency of his brakes. We do not believe it would be diplomatic to say he was driving the car too fast, as the kick back from the steering is not considerably reduced by dropping the speed from 80 to 60 M.P.H. The most essential recommendations that can be made are as follows - (1) To keep the front wheels in balance. (2) Tyre pressures should be checked daily. (3) Check front dampers for oil level. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/G.W.Hancock. | ||