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).
Query regarding the frame, rear axle, and hand brake differences between the 'Corniche' and standard B V models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\2\ scan0121 | |
| Date | 7th March 1940 | |
| H50. S/W. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} re- B V.{VIENNA} Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}1/KW7.3.40. Before the war I remember being notified that the frame for the B V.{VIENNA} "Corniche" model was quite different from the frame of the standard B V.{VIENNA} I remember I was very surprised to learn this, and so also was Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} as we had understood that these two chassis formed part of the rationalised programme, and that in important respects, such as the frame, there would be no difference. JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} in comparing the "Corniche" chassis with a standard B V.{VIENNA},reports that the only difference in the frame that he could detect is that it is lower on the "Corniche" model than on the standard to the extent of about 1 1/2". Would you please tell me just what differences there are between these two frames, as we always understood that when a "Corniche" B V.{VIENNA} was required the chassis would be taken from the standard production of B V's, and merely have those differences that are obvious, such as, no radiator shell, different axle ratio,etc. JLE.{J. Lee Evans - Chassis Test Manager} says also that the rear axle is different, this, of course, apart from the fact that the ratio is different. Can you please tell me what the difference is between the axles other than the ratio. Also, I understand that the hand brake on the "Corniche" is not the same as on the B V.{VIENNA}, for whilst the latter has the Wraith and P.III type of brake with the lever close to the frame, the "Corniche" apparently has the old type vertical hand brake lever but set out specially. Was it always intended,please, that the brake levers on these two types of B V's should differ in that respect ? Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Lumb | ||