Policy decision to standardize a 20-gallon petrol tank over a larger 25-gallon alternative.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 81\1\ scan0029 | |
| Date | 20th August 1919 | |
| R.R 235 a (100 T) (S.F. 575, 16-4-19) G. {Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2354 X.3637. Bn {W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} 7/W20.8.19. To Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Bm. c. to R. {Sir Henry Royce} c. to Da. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. to By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} X.3451 RE 20 GALLON PETROL TANKS X.3637. With reference to EH4/LG19819, I think it is late in the day to consider a further change in our policy regarding tanks, expect so far as a larger capacity alternative for continental and special requirements. The decision to adopt a 20 gallon tank as standard appears to me to be right, and the decision has been published and everything is in train for the job. I do not think you really consider it desirable to disturb this once more. I quite agree that the additional requirements such as emergency supply device and side filler must be tackled and I think these should apply to the 20 gallon tank. I do not think it would be good for all cars to be fitted with a 25 gallon tank. We do not want owners to carry more petrol than they really require, and if we give them a large tank, it is almost certain that they will fill it. Our policy is therefore, to proceed with the 20 gallon tank of a similar design to the present standard, and to prepare future designs which will require careful testing before adoption of a 20 gallon tank with emergency supply device and side filler. The smaller size tank of course continues for the first 500 chassis as we have material for these delivered. Will Mr. Bailey please see that the new design of 20 gallon tank brings in as many old parts as possible and causes the least possible scrap of dies etc. att. copy of EH4/LG19819. Bn. {W.O. Bentley / Mr Barrington} | ||
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).