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).
Feedback and suggested modifications for the 10-EX Blue Sports Car.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\Q\July1927-September1927\ Scan060 | |
| Date | 18th August 1927 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} C. to BJ. DI. ORIGINAL BLUE SPORTS CAR - 10-EX. R1/M18.8.27. X8774 X8410 X8730 X8380 X8080 I shall be glad if you will send the above car to WW., when you are satisfied that it is as good as you can make it. My own impression is that the pick-up is coarse, and we shall be obliged to reduce the compression ratio. We should therefore fall back on better volumetric efficiency at high speeds to obtain the power (lower induction pipe depression.) Regarding the frame I think the tiebars should be fitted. It will be noticed that the body is breaking below the doors, but whether this is due to something outside my knowledge I do not know, but the removal of the tiebars might cause this trouble, and also the harsh springing. Regarding the rear springs the car has the appearance of being down at the rear. This is not bad if there is sufficient clearance left between the back axle and its buffers, but I have the impression that the rear springs as fitted are too stiff, and spoil the riding. It ought not to be necessary to have abnormally stiff springs, providing we have sufficient shock damping. In any case I should like more flexible springs, and those which would increase the buffer clearance - if this is low - should be fitted. Regarding the heat complaint by BJ., we fear the only solution of this is scuttle ventilation, either at the top or the sides. Personally I think the sides are the least ugly. Screening the exhaust box is now available but I think not fitted. Regarding the general appearance I agree with BJ., that the front of the car looks extraordinarily nice, and I believe this comes about partly from shortening the radiator, by painting the bonnet the same colour as the car, and by deleting the bonnet shutters. I think however before you make the alterations it would be as well for me to see the car once again, and if possible will you send a carburetter with it, having the larger throats and air ports, (as originally requisitioned for the Phantom) so as to reach a higher speed with the same depression, and therefore fill up better at high speeds. Regarding the steering I have not had an opportunity of testing this, but one feels as though it were necessary to have a fairly liberal lean on the steering pivots so that the car shall run straight, and also I fear that the friction in the steering column prevents the car being self steering. So far I am not impressed with this latter device as an improvement, and prefer the steering to be like my old 7-EX. which is here. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||