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).
Confidential test report on the 'Spectre' vehicle, detailing favorable features and serious faults.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 4\1\ 01-page266 | |
| Date | 18th February 1935 | |
| PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL 4300 Ha/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}6/MH.{M. Huckerby}18.2.35 re "SPECTRECodename for Phantom III" - TEST BY EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}13.2.35 I was impressed by a few important favourable features such as .- (a) Acceleration and performance. (b) Absence of front "jellying". (c) Steering free and control good; free from joggles. (d) Engine - absence of fuss and noise at high R.P.M. Although keen on the present Phantom II being replaced or improved as soon as possible (chiefly because of the above features, which do not compare with our competitors and are a source of complaint), I take the view that it would be fatal to launch the car in its present state, owing to serious faults, one or two of which do not give one the impression of being easily overcome and will require further proving out. I refer to such faults as .- (1) "Chunking" and joggle in the drive. (2) "Dithers" set up through the whole of the car when striking pot-holes, etc. (3) The engine cannot be called quiet at lower speeds, or a good slow runner, and has definite period vibrations (45/50 m.p.h. and corresponding engine revs. on gears). (4) The brakes, although fairly good, cannot be considered adequate compared with the car's performance. (5) The springing normally seems good, and the shock absorber control effective. The front of the car has a nasty habit of "plunging" up or down when using the cont'd | ||