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 Wraith model's steering, cost, and performance, including criticisms of acceleration and potential engine modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 161a\3\ scan0191 | |
| Date | 3rd June 1939 | |
| - 4 - WRAITH. Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} STEERING GEAR (contd). be subjected, by driving over kerbs without damaging any part of the car. Special instructions have been issued to deal with cars which are abroad, the rollers being supplied with very full instructions as to the method by which the parts should be replaced. COST. RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} will give information in regard to this point. Handwritten notes: £158 3749 ALLOWED £124 3169 " £120 3120 " 9-4d / Hr PERFORMANCE. It was decided that this should be discussed again at the Conference in connection with the series of chassis likely to follow 'C' series at present under construction. Apparently, the Wraith is still in certain cases subject to adverse criticisms in connection with its performance, chiefly lack of acceleration. In the cases which have been brought to BY's attention, however, the complaint has invariably been associated with unduly heavy bodies. We are not emphasising the weight of the body as against the weight of the chassis, but the extra weight which is unnecessarily introduced by certain coachbuilders - I am referring to [crossed out: bodies] CARS which weigh anything from 42 to 45 cwts. The object of the further discussion was apparently to further consider whether certain special schemes for increasing engine output would be incorporated in future series. Separate items under this heading were :- (a). Modifications to increase output of present engine. The doubtful point is whether such modifications could be introduced without measurably increasing the wear and tear on the engine bearings. (b). Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} has been approached with regard to his car, but has expressed the opinion that he does not wish to have the car modified. | ||