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).
The development and troubleshooting of existing experimental cars, focusing on the Wraith and B.III models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\5\ scan0414 | |
| Date | 18th August 1938 | |
| -2- B. Work on Existing Experimental Cars. WRAITH. The three troubles known when the Wraith material was ordered - (1) clutch shudder (2) Timing gear wear (3) Valve seat distortion have been worked on, and we believe that in each case a solution has been found and applied which will prevent service complaints arising. During the recent hot weather the Delco coils have given trouble. Modified R.R. coils and Lucas coils are now on test. We have a Wraith fitted with lower rating front road springs and a front roll rod. These give a better ride with no loss of control and we are recommending it for the next batch of material ordered. An improved exhaust system has also been developed which saves cost, weight and H.P. Large tyres being tested. We have a number of cost reducing items on the engine which could usefully be run. We recommend that all the mods. which did not run in France should be collected together and put on a car which could be run by Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}, and possibly by Lp.{Mr Lappin} when Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} takes over a B.III. B.III. Strenuous endeavours being made to get the improved gearbox and axle pieces ready for France. Work also being carried out on exhaust system and work to improve power output of the engine. Design work to reduce cost proceeding continuously. Steering geometry tests and engine mounting tests in hand. General development of this car proceeding satisfactorily, and bump tests show prospects of suspension durability to be good. | ||