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).
Car development plans for a 4-cylinder 'Rippletto', coachwork, and a junior semi-monocoque model 'Myth'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0258 | |
| Date | 25th October 1939 | |
| -2- (4) Complete a car as (3) but still further lightened and fitted with the 4 cyl. 2.1 litre engine. Such a car requires a fair amount of machine man hours but the engine, the production of which has been agreed on, represents the major portion of such work. It would, however, if an acceptable car when completed, enable the Company to offer to the public a 28 cwt. car the body and chassis of which utilise B.V. tools i.e. it could be got into production with little delay. Its R.A.C. rating would be only 15 H.P. As opposed to the Myth, which gives us a host of new problems, this proposed 15 H.P. car follows our known practice with the exception of the 4 cyl. engine. The most important feature is that 'Tools will exist for its production' if they exist for the rationalised programme. We are calling this car the Rippletto. Even the power unit is the centre 4 cyls. of the 6 and 8 we have already produced. (B) COACHWORK. Respecting coachwork development, finishing, off five B.V's will be a great asset in proving the tools. We believe, however, that we should take the opportunity of completing our experiments on the Coupe type of body at Park Wards, because there is every indication that a standardised body of this type on the Ripple and Bentley at a reasonable price will materially increase our chassis turn over. (C) JUNIOR RATIONALISED PROGRAMME. With regard to the 'Myth', the small semi-monocoque 10 or 12 H.P. car, this is at present in the process of design and naturally, the power plant, being only about 1/2 the size of that of the Silver Phantom, requires an entirely new set of parts. We can undoubtedly get the frame and body made by Park Wards, but shall certainly have to fabricate at Derby the engine, steering and front suspension. We can get the radiator made out and utilise proprietary gearbox brakes and axle to get the car running about. It is however, an ambitious undertaking for existing facilities. | ||