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).
Specification sheet for the Frazer-Nash-B.M.W. Type 326 vehicle models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 126\3\ scan0114 | |
| Date | 24th March 1941 guessed | |
| THE FRAZER-NASH-B.M.W. 16·2-H.P. (9ft. 6in. WHEELBASE) TYPE 326 FIVE-SEATER FOUR-DOOR SALOON MODEL Still only in the 2-litre class, this long chassis model provides ample accommodation for five adult people. Famous as are all Frazer-Nash-B.M.W's for their suspension and cornering capabilities, the 326 models, while not the fastest in maximum speed, possess most remarkable springing comfort. Many technical experts have described riding in the rear seats as being the most amazingly comfortable in their experience, irrespective of make or price of car, attributable to the unique system of rear suspension by torsion bars. It is impossible without the use of superlatives to do justice to its astonishing stability and fast cornering capabilities, particularly evident on wet or greasy surfaces. This springing comfort and safety obviously enable very high average speeds to be maintained without effort, even for the longest and most arduous journey. ENGINE 2-litre ; bore 66 mm. x stroke 96 mm. ; capacity 1,971 c.c. ; compression ratio 6 to 1. Annual Tax £12 15s. 6 cylinders. O.H. valves operated by pushrods. Dual-downdraught Solex carburetter, fitted with easy-starting device, large air cleaner and silencer. Four-bearing crankshaft. Ignition by Bosch coil and distributor. Cooling by impeller pump and fan. Hand-operated radiator shutters (with warning light incorporated in water temperature gauge). Single dry-plate clutch. 4-speeds gearbox—ratios: Top, 4·8 to 1; 2nd, 12·2 to 1 and 1st, 17·6 to 1. Free-wheel 1st and synchromesh 3rd and top. Transmission by propeller shaft to spiral bevel final drive. CHASSIS Frame of closed box-section (absolutely rigid) three substantial cross-members—integral with body floor. Front wheels independently sprung and steered. Rear axle suspension by torsion bars. Hydraulic shock absorbers. Hydraulic brakes on all four wheels (with automatic adjustment), powerful and smooth in action. Pistol-grip hand-brake (separately cable-operated) to rear wheels only. High-geared, light, steering by rack and pinion. Combined ignition and steering lock on column operated to rear wheels. Automatic adjustment device compensates wear of linings. Body floor integral with chassis frame. Dunlop 5.50 x 16 low-pressure tyres on bolt-on disc wheels. 12-gallon rear petrol tank (with external filler). Bosch electrical equipment throughout. “One-shot” chassis lubrication system, etc. Data: Wheelbase, 9 ft. Track (front), 4 ft. 4 ins. (rear), 4 ft. 3½ ins. ; Overall length, 14 ft. 8½ ins. ; Overall width, 5 ft. 3 ins. ; Height, 4 ft. 7½ ins. ; Ground clearance, 8½ ins. ; Petrol consumption, 25 m.p.g. ; Oil, negligible ; Weight, 20½ cwt. Maximum speed, over 80 m.p.h. Sustained cruising speed of 65-70 m.p.h. COACHWORK Risking an accusation of exaggeration we would say that both words and pictures quite fail as mediums to convey a true idea of the looks, finish and equipment of the fixed-head coupé and convertible cabriolet bodies available on this chassis. Definitely in the luxury car class, personal inspection and trial is the only way of fully appreciating their many attractive features of design. Both bodies are of the “occasional” four-seater type and will seat four quite comfortably for not too lengthy runs. Although of extremely low overall height the headroom is sufficient for the tallest person. Upholstered in the finest quality leather, the interior finish and equipment is lavish. Features are recessed head-lamps, recessed external door-handles and concealed hinges, detachable rear wheel shields, etc. Illustrations are of the cabriolet. Coupé illustrated on page 13. Separate catalogue will be sent on request. Fixed-head Coupé £650 . 0 . 0 Drop-head Cabriolet £695 . 0 . 0 | ||