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 from F. H. Royce to C.J. regarding performance issues with PN's experimental car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 73\3\ scan0406 | |
| Date | 20th February 1924 | |
| COPY to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}} from Rg.{Mr Rowledge} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X9680 X9946 La{L. A. Archer} Villa Mimosa, Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence, Par Le Lavandou, Var, FRANCE. 20.2.24. My dear CJ., PN{Mr Northey}'S EXPERIMENTAL. On testing and hearing further about PN{Mr Northey}'s car, I am quite in sympathy with his remarks. He should not have been given this car until it had been improved. You will remember that I wired brakes (referring to Ferodo lined servo) not good enough for PN.{Mr Northey} Now we learn clutch driven member too heavy (excessive inertia) our W.W. fault, also this specimen not quite free, my first such experience. Hives also finds road shock to steering increased by extra inclination of pivots due to front wheel brakes forcing this alteration to the design (I have telegraphed to emphasize). Power of engine seemed good with governed battery ignition only and part benzole. PN{Mr Northey}'s disappointment partly due to easy magneto (non automatic) strangely this engine is more exacting in timing (like Goshawk). I hope we shall get 120 B.H.P. from this engine with new carburetter and my Goshawk type cut-out. Over run vibrations already admitted cause fairly well understood and suggestions made to reduce. Regret we gave PN.{Mr Northey} so poor a car for such a journey. Personally, had I known I should not let anyone have it, though it has proved useful, I consider most of such testing can quite well be done at home. Yours ever, (Sgd) F.{Mr Friese} H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} ROYCE. ww 26.2.24 | ||