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).
Road stability issues, test results, and planned modifications for the London Trials Car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 81\1\ scan0083 | |
| Date | 23th January 1920 | |
| R.R. 235 A (100 T) (S.F 846 6-S-19) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2460 X.3044 From PN.{Mr Northey} from CJ. c. to R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to Bn.{W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} PN{Mr Northey}5/DB{Donald Bastow - Suspensions}23.1.20. X.9631 X.3461. X.3612. X.3044. X.3922. LONDON TRIALS CAR. In reply to your memo, attached CJ7/D22.1.20 - it is the case that no mentioned had been made to me by Crawford that the Trials Landaulette was extremely difficult to keep on the road and your information was therefore the first I have heard on the matter. Unfortunately, owing to this car having been in use by Lord Northcliffe since 29th December, it has been im-possible to make tests of any description until the car was available on Wednesday last, when it was driven to Derby purpose-ly by Birkett on my instructions, in order that he could form an opinion as to the characteristics complained of, and that the Gleason Cut axle waiting at Derby could be fitted to the car, and at the same time, provision made for fitting the new type shock absorbers, which entails cutting or grinding shorter the rear spring plates; the provision of a special tank etc. Platford also drove this car on its arrival at the works, and from conversation I have had with Birkett each day since he went to Derby, I gather that both he and Platford have the impression that the car, when at the higher speed, is not as stable on the road as one would wish or expect. I cannot get a stronger expression of opinion than this. They both appear to think that the instability is contributed to by the type of body and that doubtless the rear shock absorbers when fitted will make a great deal of difference, in addition to the fact that the larger tyres 150mm are being fitted to the front wheels, this latter point, by introducing a bit more friction will tend to prevent the steering feeling so extremely light. The steering has been minutely examined through-out and no fault whatever has been found with it. The Landauletter will be driven down from Derby to-morrow, with the new axle and larger front tyres. The shock absorbers referred to cannot be completely fitted for another fortnight; the tank has to be painted, but these will be in xxxxxxxxxx use as soon as possible. Contd. | ||