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).
Meeting notes discussing component testing, design improvements, and owner criticisms for various car models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\1\ Scan222 | |
| Date | 12th August 1938 | |
| - 7 - 20/25 h.p. ROLLS-ROYCE 21-G-IV The points raised by Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} concerning smaller wheels and hypoid axle were agreed to by Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 21-G-IV was not considered a good car for testing the smaller wheels, and they are to be tried on a good car to see if the same objections are reproduced. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} hypoid axle, Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} said that not much attention was paid to silence of such features on experimental cars, but that the noise of this particular axle was being investigated. They propose to make one or two more to try on Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}'s and Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'s cars. Big Bore Engine It is anticipated that an engine to this new design will be available for test in France in 2-3 months, and that S. can let W. have a stock car in which this engine could be fitted for the purpose of these tests. Change-speed Lever Rattle There was a slight misunderstanding about the introduction of this, but it was now agreed that it should be introduced at the earliest possible moment, and BY will advise S. of the point of introduction. WRAITH It was reported that patterns for engine would be completed in about three weeks. BY was instructed now to review the whole position as regards Wraith, and Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} asked for a comprehensive report re the whole position of engine and chassis. S. asked for the question of entrance to the front seat from the offside to receive consideration for improvement on both the 20/25 and Bentley. In view of the easy access to the driving seat from the offside on SpectreCodename for Phantom III, we shall expect to be criticised for the inaccessibility of these seats, a point which has been criticised in the past. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} will instruct for design of pull up brake levers like on P.III. Those firms offering pre-selective gear or centre change are quick to pick on this point of criticism on R-R and Bentley cars. GENERAL S.drew attention to the fact that criticisms were now being received from owners, confirmed by Inspectors, of an exhaust boom at 30 m.p.h., which is objectionable. It is arranged that Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} will try GSP-4 while in London, which also suffers from this complaint rather noticeably. | ||