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).
Secret memo discussing criticisms and proposed improvements for a car, with comparisons made to the Phantom model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65a\3\ scan0043 | |
| Date | 25th June 1929 | |
| SECRET To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}5/E25.6.29 - 5 - in question were justified. When sitting in the back the feature criticised is not so noticeable as when one is sitting in the front, but we have to remember that a large number of our owners are enthusiasts who drive their own cars, and the difference between the two is then very noticeable. Taking into consideration the tremendous improvement which has been made in regard to exhaust boom since we tried some of the earliest experimental cars, I am confident that you will be able to effect still further improvements which will overcome the chief criticism. The RR car, as we all know, has a world-wide reputation and we should be endangering that reputation and the Company's position if we were to deliver cars to the public which on the point or points named would bear such unfavourable comparison with the Phantom of to-day. We can discuss at our meeting on Thursday at Derby the position from the point of [handwritten: view of] the further possible improvements in connection with the particular feature complained of. The following are a few points taken from some of the reports: 1. Springing. Whilst undoubtedly improved, it is believed that still further improvement might be effected and that more damping will be desirable for high speeds and less for low speeds. 2. Jacking up facilities. These are reported to be poor and likely to lead to frequent cases of brake actuating mechanism being damaged by the jack being inadvertently placed under the brake mechanism instead of under the centre of the springs, especially if done in the dark. Is it not possible to introduce a fairly obvious jack platform or pad, which we believe is now becoming a fairly common feature on cars? 3. As mentioned in a recent memo. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} there is frequent popping in the silencer on this car when decelerated, i.e. considerably worse than the average Phantom of to-day. This is probably due to some fault on this particular car. 4. The near rear side cushion of the body gets uncomfortably hot on a long journey - apparently owing to its close proximity to the silencer swanneck extension. This appears to require adequate protection. [Handwritten in left margin]: Au Studd | ||