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).
Performance comparison memo of the Wraith model against the 25/30, covering acceleration, speed, handling, and gearbox improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 108\2\ scan0150 | |
| Date | 7th September 1938 | |
| 600 W/S. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry{Shadwell Grylls}5/R.7.9.38. W R A I T H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}6/KW.6.9.38. The acceleration of the Wraith on top gear is not as good as the 25/30. There has been much correspondence between Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} on this matter - see memos Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}5/E.1.9.38., Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}12/N.24.2.38., Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}10/N.2.9.38. The lap speed on Brooklands is the same, but under favourable conditions the Wraith goes faster than the 25/30. The better suspension and handling make the comfortable cruising speed considerably higher. During his run in France on 26.G.VI Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} averaged 76.5 m.p.h. for 1 1/4 hours (Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}1/N.4.4.38). Wraith has a higher 3rd speed than the 25/30 this gear therefore being more useful than it was. As you know, the real improvements in the Wraith are the ride, steering and freedom from engine noise. The gearbox is quieter and has synchromesh on 2nd speed. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} | ||