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 modifications to steering and suspension, including king pin inclination and spring periodicity.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\1\ scan0234 | |
| Date | 4th January 1935 guessed | |
| - 2nd - Had we had a little more time, we intended to put supplementary valves between the charge and rebound in order to permit a more rapid evacuation of the oil in the instantaneous shocks. The steering is without reaction and this is surely because it is suspended. However on turns it is stiffer than your usual car due to the fact that the king pin is too inclined, it is 8°30 instead of 3° to 4° which you have for your serie chassis. This is not at all disturbing as it can be easily arranged by reducing this inclination. I have given Mr.Leslie all the necessary pieces for you to make your own tests and as I shall be in England the beginning of January, I shall go to Derby and at that time we may discuss all these points in order to obtain the results you wish. I had the pleasure of letting Mr.Leslie try a Hotchkiss equipped with my system of suspension. This car has done 26.000 kilometres and the results are excellent. I should like to call your attention to the fact that this constructor has used in the rear springs having almost similar flexibility and periodicity as in the front which gives a great homogeneity to the car and complete comfort. I should like to insist that you change your rear springs that the periodicity may be the same as in the front. Yours very truly A Dubonnet | ||