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).
Streamline car bodies by Park Ward shown at Olympia, detailing design concerns and a test drive deeming one vehicle dangerous.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 84\1\ scan0337 | |
| Date | 8th November 1934 | |
| 4204 To C-R from EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c.c. Gr.{George Ratcliffe} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} IMS. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} R.{Sir Henry Royce} Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} re Streamline Bodies - C.2/C.6.11.34 and EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}3/GC.26.10.34. Streamline Bodies at Olympia. We had seen no drawing of what any coachbuilder would exhibit until we were able to visit them. (a) Bentley by Park Ward & Co. On August the 31st we visited the above works re the Show cars and reported to Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} on the above in EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}6/IH.31.8.34 and EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}7/IH.31.8.34. We stated that:- (1) The overhang and overhanging weight at the rear was excessive, being 9" more than that of Fedden's car, and that it would affect the steering. (2) The long tail would affect the steering in a cross wind. Later we saw Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} and discussed these matters more fully. (b) P.2. Streamline at Olympia - Park Ward. We reported on this car in EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}6/IH. 31.8.34 in exactly the same way as we did on the Bentley. August 31st 1934 was the first time I saw the Park Ward Show cars, having been in Derby continuously from the end of July on experimental work, which it was agreed took precedence, and not having had an opportunity of seeing any drawings of this body. We reported that this car was dangerous because En. JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} and LA.{L. A. Archer} said so, after driving it. It will be appreciated that this remark was not the writer's opinion individually, as the memo EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}3/GC.26.10.34 was the report of the joint test of the car at Brooklands by En. JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} La.{L. A. Archer} and EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} which the meeting delegated him to write. | ||