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).
Personal letter discussing tests and feedback on the riding quality of the Phantom model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 43\2\ Scan092 | |
| Date | 8th February 1926 | |
| ROLLS-ROYCE OF AMERICA, INC. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. Oy3-E-2826 February 8, 1926 Mr. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} W. Hives, Mickleover, Near Derby, England. (Personal) Dear Hives: Re Riding quality of Phantom Many thanks for copy of your report to R.{Sir Henry Royce} of January 22, 1926. Work on 12-MC. I attach copy of my personal letter to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} of December 18, 1925, which covers our own practice on present cars and a detailed account of all we had done to date on the Phantom. Since writing this we have completed our tests by fitting a standard Springfield front axle to 12-MC. The riding was improved and was fair to middling with the front springs weakened by the removal of one plate. When the front springs were brought back to standard (as received from England) by replacing the plate, riding is still bad, and we have not been able to find out yet, what is the matter. The English springs have practically the same deflection as we should allow and the car should now ride like a standard job. But it doesn't. We are working on it still and shall report progress. English comment. In talking to the English delegates at the transport congress Frank Lanchester, H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} Burford, Woodhead, and Major Searight, I was rather surprised to find the riding of the Phantom severely criticised by all of them, even from tests on English roads. | ||