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).
From the Experimental Department questioning the necessity of bonnet shutters for cars used in America.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 38\2\ Scan120 | |
| Date | 21th September 1920 | |
| X.3456 2 to Mr. Kerby India. To EWT. for R.R. Inc. From He. O.F.C. REC'd SEP 28 1920 REC'D 21.9.20. RECEIVED X-3499. RE - SHUTTERS IN BONNETS, X.3456. The Experimental Department would like to know whether the shutters which we fit in all our bonnets are ever used in America. The Shutters were originally fitted in order to increase the efficiency of the radiator and reduce the temperature of the floor-boards. The effect of opening all four shutters is that it will reduce the water temperature 5 to 6%. The Shutters were fitted at a time when we were using the old type crinkled tube radiator which was not as efficient as the present round tube radiator. If we can prove that the shutters are hardly ever used by our customers, then we would recommend to Mr. Royce that we stopped fitting them because they are expensive pieces to fit and are frequently a source of rattles. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||