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).
The development of coupe bodies, desirable features, engine units, and chassis status.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 144\4\ scan0066 | |
Date | 13th April 1940 | |
- 2 - Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} COUPE BODIES. Coupe bodies have always been most unsatisfactory owing to their lack of rigidity. This type of body, expressing as it does individuality, is considered to be vitally important for the Rolls Royce market. For this reason two months work have been carried out on 10.B.V. at Derby and satisfactory results obtained. This car will now be sent to Park Ward's to have the experimental pieces incorporated in the body in a production manner. Judging by past experience this will cost about £200. When the car is passed finally, Ward will be asked to get out a price for quantities of coupes. OTHER FEATURES TO MAKE THE CAR MORE DESIRABLE. He. emphasized the need for making cars better as well as cheaper. He. mentioned that basic improvements being tested were coiled rear springs with Dedion type axles, which lowered the floor and eliminated interleaf friction; column gear change and semi-automatic type gear boxes. If R.R. were going into the small car market, economy would be of primary importance and this could only be obtained by reducing weight. Considerable experimental work was therefore going on on pieces in light alloy. He. stressed the need for durability. The target on the senior range of rationalised cars is 100,000 miles between heavy overhauls. MANUFACTURE. ENGINE UNITS. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/JH.20.3.40. was discussed. It was agreed that 7 new high powered type engines should be made, with the necessary spares. 3 4-cyls, 3 6-cyls, and 1 8-cyls. RIPPLET. HPC/RH.{R. Hollingworth} gave a date of three weeks after the chassis was received back from the coachbuilders, for completing the car. It is expected that it will be received back from Park Ward's in 2 to 3 weeks. The final gearbox and pedals will not be ready until mid-June. | ||