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).
Letter discussing car stability at high speeds, aerodynamic shape, and radiator design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\4\ scan0017 | |
| Date | 8th March 1939 | |
| 1379. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 3/R. 8th March, 1939. Geoffrey Smith, Esq., Messrs. Iliffe & Sons, Ltd., Dorset House, Stamford Street, LONDON. S.E. Dear Mr. Geoffrey Smith, Many thanks for your letter of the 8th March, together with photographs of a proposed 1939 car. I think one of the most important things which has to be studied when producing an automobile with an aero-dynamic shape, is its stability at high speeds. There are certain rules as to how high to make a car stable and unstable, and on the 'Paulin' we have succeeded in getting a result which has given us a car having abnormal stability. To drive @ 115 m.p.h. unless such characteristics are present to a marked extent, is a very unpleasant experience, particularly in a side wind. With regard to the actual shape of the radiator, whilst visibility is important, any change is, of course, dictated by the amount of variations the public will stand at one bite. Personally, I think the front of the Paulin car with regard to radiator height is a happy compromise. We are taking a great interest in the subject, and hope to be able to give you some information as to what we are doing. Yours sincerely, | ||