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).
Specifications and pricing for the Frazer-Nash-B.M.W. Type 321 and 327 models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\3\ scan0112 | |
| Date | 24th March 1941 guessed | |
| [Page 4] THE FRAZER-NASH-B.M.W. 16·2-H.P. (9ft. WHEELBASE) TYPE 321 FOUR-SEATER DROP-HEAD CABRIOLET MODEL This luxurious cabriolet may justifiably be described as an outstanding example of convertible coachwork. Features of the chassis specification are rigid box-section frame, wide front track, independent suspension and steering of the front wheels (transverse spring below) and of the engine specification, crankshaft damper and lead-bronze big-end bearings. ENGINE 2-litre ; bore 66 mm. × stroke 96 mm. ; capacity 1,971 c.c. ; compression ratio 6 to 1. Annual Tax £12 15s. 6 cylinders. O.H. valves actuated by pushrods. Dual down-draught Solex carburetter, fitted with easy-starting device, large air cleaner and silencer. 4-bearing crankshaft with damper. Ignition by Bosch coil and distributor. Cooling by impeller pump and fan. Radiator shutters hand-operated from dashboard. Single dry-plate clutch. 4-speeds gearbox—ratios : Top, 4·3 to 1; 3rd, 6·6 to 1; 2nd, 9·8 to 1 and 1st, 16 to 1. Silent second, with synchromesh operative between third and top gears. Transmission by dynamically-balanced propeller shaft to spiral bevel final drive. CHASSIS Frame of closed box-section—three cross-members. Front wheels independently sprung and steered. Semi-elliptic springs at rear. Hydraulic shock absorbers. Hydraulic brakes. High-geared steering. Bosch electrical lighting and starting equipment. ‘One-shot’ chassis lubrication system. Easy jacking. Rear petrol tank of over 11-gallons capacity. Dunlop low-pressure tyres on “easy-to-clean” disc wheels. Equipment also includes chromium-plated head-lamps, dual windscreen wipers, twin electric horns, sun-visor, interior lighting and cigarette lighter, etc. Tools (in detachable box), jacking equipment, tyre pump, fuse-box, reservoirs for ‘one-shot’ lubrication and brake fluid, etc., are all immediately accessible below bonnet—which can be locked. Instruments are well-grouped, very legible and indirectly illuminated for night driving. Data : Wheelbase, 9 ft. Track (front) 4 ft. 4 ins., (rear), 4 ft. 3½ ins. Overall length, 14 ft. 9 ins. Width, 5 ft. 3 ins. Ground clearance, 8½ ins. Maximum speed, 75-80 m.p.h. approx. 4 [Page 13] particularly efficient design. (See illustration at left). Ignition by Bosch coil. Fuel supply from mechanical pump driven from camshaft. Cooling by pump and fan—hand-operated radiator shutters. Single dry-plate clutch. 4-speeds all-synchromesh gear-box. Top gear ratio, 3·9 to 1. Orthodox transmission system—by dynamically-balanced propeller shaft to the spiral bevel final drive. CHASSIS Box-section frame of absolute rigidity. Three cross-members. Body floor integral with frame. Independent suspension (transverse spring below) also independent steering of front wheels. Semi-elliptic springs at rear. Hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic shock absorbers. Rack and pinion steering—high-geared and light. Electrical equipment throughout—Bosch. 12-gallon rear tank (external filler). Dunlop 5·50 × 16 low-pressure tyres on “knock-off” detachable disc wheels. Dimensions, etc., as “Fast Tourer” model. COACHWORK Two types of body are available on the Type 327 “Sports” chassis—the fixed-head coupé illustrated on this page and the drop-head cabriolet on page 11. It is somewhat difficult to know what to say about these bodies in a limited space—they are unusually attractive in appearance, while “lavish” would seem the only word applicable to the quality of their interior fittings and equipment. The frontal appearance is particularly distinctive, enhanced by the wide front track, handsome wings, “built-in” head-lamps and attractive radiator design. Fixed-head Coupé £750.0.0 Drop-head Cabriolet £795.0.0 13 | ||