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 evaluation and report on the American Phantom chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\4\ scan0269 | |
| Date | 2nd February 1927 | |
| COPY. AMERICAN PHANTOM CHASSIS. POWER. Very good. Gives me the impression of having more power than our own (later probably due to low geared axle). ACCELERATION. Very good indeed. The acceleration in all speeds (3-speed box) is so good that I am inclined to think the axle ratio is lower. (Later the axle ratio is lower). GEARBOX GEARS UNDER LOAD. Poor. 1st. and 2nd. decidedly noisy as one would associate with unground gears. AXLE AND SILENCE. Normal (low geared). STEERING. Sticks badly on both locks, more so on N.S.lock, does not self-center, and not so agreeable as our own. No joggles felt, no wobbles experienced. Balloon tyres fitted. Considerable amount of slack in nut. (bronze nut). I consider the steering as at present a poor feature. SPRINGING. Very good. (Perhaps on the weak side). SHOCK ABSORBERS. Standard in front at least. ENGINE VIBRATIONS. Very bad at all speeds and one feels them through-out the chassis especially when running engine light at about 1500 revs. IGNITION. Double battery ignition, synchronised. No magneto. ENGINE GEARS. Very noisy, sing atmost speeds. PISTONS. Slight rumble probably due to their being on the tight side. TAPPETS. These were bade when they arrived, but we have brought about considerable improvement. Obviously the man who last adjusted the tappets was not 'au courant' with our methods. On the whole they are as good as our own. CARBURETTER. Fitted o/s of engine appears O.K. Ait filter fitted. BRAKES. No front wheel brakes fitted. I consider they are needed on such a car. Position of hand brake lever is decidedly poor and ungetatable. Foot brake good, for rear wheels only. contd :- | ||