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).
Inquiry into the feasibility of using 'Perspex' instead of glass for car windows to reduce weight.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 117\4\ scan0074 | |
| Date | 10th July 1941 | |
| 1091 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/HAG.7/SW. 10th July, 1941. J.W. Follett, Esq., 1, Albemarle Street, Piccadilly, LONDON W.1. Dear Mr. Follett, We are investigating the possibility of lightening the body work on one of our higher power models, and I am wondering whether you have any suggestions to make with reference to glass. It has occurred to us that possibly "Perspex" might be used for side and back windows, but before doing anything, we should like to have your opinion on the matter. Is the surface of this material hard enough to withstand the use that the ordinary car gets, without getting seriously scratched? Does it discolour with age? Does it shrink or expand according to weather conditions? What do you estimate the saving in weight would be per square foot? What is the approximate difference in price between toughened plate and "Perspex"? If you consider "Perspex" to be unsuitable, what is the thinnest toughened plate that you would recommend? The windscreen glass will have to be in laminated plate and here again I should be glad to know the thinnest you would recommend. Hoping you are well and with kind regards. Yours Faithfully, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE, LTD., | ||