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).
Technical memorandum discussing the modifications required to fit a concealed or enclosed hood to an existing car body.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 70\1\ scan0205 | |
| Date | 1st January 1927 | |
| to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/ Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} RE IO EX. We thank you for your Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1,3 &5.dated 30.12.26. re the above. The fitting of a concealed hood has been considered by ourselves and the coachbuilders and we had concluded that,as we had to be satisfied with modifications to an existing body, such a feature was not possible. To fit an enclosed hood would mean the following changes over and above those already quoted for:- (1) The width of the hood would be such that it would go into the width of the body at the tool locker. This is much more narrow than the present hood and water would drop into the seats. The screen would be about 2.000ins. narrower and could not/be of the "V"type. This would make the distance between the screen and the driver increased and put up the head resistance. (2) The rear seat would be reduced in width by approx. sixinches. This would be to.form the box for the sticks. (3) The objections in (1) are overcome if we build the whole of the body anew,starting from the front seats and keeping the maximum width of the body at the tool locker section.This spoils the stream-line contour and is out of the question except on a new body. (4) The Lancia Lamda is built on the lines of (3) with the added advantage that the body is of all steel production manufacture with the result that the hood sticks and the structure of the box in the body occupy much less space than we should require. (5) The proposed modifications do not call for the body to be rebuilt in front of the back of the rear seat. We did not feel that the price quoted was much out, remembering the extra work modifications entail. We suggest that if too much is said on the subject of this car being the model for others which Barkers will sell we shall meet with positive opposition. This is to be the one and only car of its kind, solely for our own special edification. We would also point out that it not advisable to do any more modifications to the chassis than those called for.to enable the coach-builder to carry out his work. Such features as the new engine should be added afterwards or else we shall be prevented from sending the car back to Barkers at all. They cannot do the body changes without the chassis. We note that you are arranging to fit the headlamps and will instruct the coachbuilders accordingly. The question of fitting a revolution indicator has been discussed | ||