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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).
Issues with the Goshawk bodies and proposing a new all-weather design.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 41\3\  Scan281
Date  29th January 1923
  
To LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott} from R.{Sir Henry Royce}
c. to CJ. BJ.
c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}

X.3730.

R3/M29.1.23.

LIMOUSINE BODY ON GOSHAWK X.3730.

Thank you for your letter on the Goshawk limousine.
LHS{Lord Herbert Scott}4/EBN26.1.23.

I think we have been singularly unfortunate with bodies for the Goshawk.

On the whole Hooper's seem to have been the most successful. The open touring car (Exp.No.4.Goshawk) seems to still be the best of this type of body. You will remember that it is about 1" narrower than our drawing. It has stood up well in use, and without alteration it has recently been painted dark brown (burnt umber) and looks quite respectable. You will remember that the splashers and valances were made at Derby from WW. designs. It is a great pity that this body was not taken for a model. It would have saved a lot of time as regards this rather unimportant type of car.

What I propose is that we should endeavour to make an exactly similar body, with an all-weather top. We do not think the metal-work should be heavier, but it requires putting together better.

We notice on the all-weather body here, that the doors are hung from the front which is a great improvement. The wide doors would be most dangerous if hung facing forwards. They swing out such a long way.

I am also sure that there should be one door opening direct into the rear part of the car on the near side. It is unreasonable to expect the passengers of the rear seats to

contd:-
  
  


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