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).
The design and provision of front fenders and luggage carriers as a means of protection, particularly for American market cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\2\ scan0001 | |
| Date | 20th August 1919 guessed | |
| X.3507. Extract from E1/G30119. (11) FRONT FENDERS AND LUGGAGE CARRIERS ON AMERICAN CARS Mr. Olley pointed out the necessity for providing some protection from bumping of one's own and other cars at the front and rear of the chassis. In accordance with Mr. Royce's instructions, Mr. Olley will look into the matter of front fenders and make some suggestions regarding how they should be applied to the R.R. since it appears that they are, or will be, American customers who will insist on having front fenders. The American practice of carrying spare tyres or wheels at the rear, as a means of protection, was considered inadvisable on R.R. cars, owing to the extra weight thrown on the cantilever portion of the frame. It was thought that the luggage carrier, if it folded down behind the petrol tank, might constitute some protection for this vulnerable part. The design work already done by us on luggage carriers is to be looked up again with a view to completing it and supplying it as a standard fitting. | ||