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).
Design modifications for the 'Swallow' model, including wheelbase, wheels, gearbox and clutch.
| Identifier | Morton\M1.9\ img018 | |
| Date | 1st September 1921 | |
| To C[...] from R.{Sir Henry Royce} ORIGINAL RE "SWALLOW". X4405 With reference to the "Swallow" we had decided to increase the wheelbase in preference to putting the radiator forward at the axle. We now propose that it shall be 9'6" - 114" and considering that the wheels are to be retained 30" diameter (760 m/m) the tyres can be either 90, 100, or 105 m/m.. The distance from the dash to the centre of the rear axle will be 83", but as the diameter of the wheels is less, this will be equivalent to 7 feet (84") with 810 wheel. This allows for a comfortable four-seater open body with the steering about equal to our original "G" type. The pedals will be placed close against the dash, and the steering column will come high up so as not to get in the way of the feet. You will remember that the first "Goshawk II" open body was spoilt through being curved inwards at the sides and forward at the back, and was not the fault of the dimensions sent from either West WitteringHenry Royce's home town or Derby. We are endeavouring to fit a small magneto or our standard 6 cylinder battery ignition as desired. We have simplified the gear box by removing the intermediate bearings, and by using straight teeth on the side shaft wheels (constant mesh) Owing to the very long propeller shaft we believe we shall be able to use fabric couplings which are inexpensive and silent. We are arranging that the front axles shall be above the springs. This will lift up the front of the car, making the radiator and bonnet an easier problem in the side elevation. We expect to be fitting a single plate clutch similar to the one which is reported to be so good on "Goshawk II" | ||