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).
Proposed cost-saving modifications to the B.50 model, focusing on the rear axle, dashboard, brake drums, and radiator.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 111\2\ scan0289 | |
| Date | 10th January 1938 | |
| 104H also 200b. HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 800 Rml/R.10.1.38. Confirming our conversation yesterday, we are now making every endeavour to get the detailing of the small gearbox finished, which is the last item required to complete B.III to its original specification. We are following on immediately with B.50. B.50 could be exactly a B.III with the single variation that it must have 6" more in the centre of the frame. However, to reduce the cost of the chassis, we are aiming at getting the semi-floating axle on this car which we showed you on the drawing board. The main object of this axle is to get £5 off the cost of the hubs. Again, with a view to economy, we are trying to get a pressed steel dashboard on this car, and brake drums in cast iron run directly on to pressed steel back plates. For the purpose of appearance the radiator will be different. In other words, the four items we propose to alter on B.50 are:- (1) Rear Axle. (2) Dashboard. (3) Brake Drums. (4) Radiator. You will appreciate that in order to get a car on the road there is no reason why we should not get the first B.50 running with the existing B.III axle and brakes. We shall shortly be issuing a specification on these lines, quoting scheme numbers on the dashboard and radiator if details have not been completed. Meanwhile we have asked Les.{Ivan A. Leslie} to make enquiries from John Thompson's about a frame. Presumably they will be able to use B.III smithing blocks with 6" inserted in the centre. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||