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).
Article from 'The Autocar' magazine detailing a new chassis design, complete with photographs and illustrations.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\5\ scan0287 | |
| Date | 31th January 1941 | |
| January 31st, 1941 The Autocar 99 and secondary expansion chambers in the interests of the greatest possible silencing of the gases. The dash structure, of light alloy, is secured to the frame by a mounting embodying Silentbloc bushes. Again, the radiator, relieved of stresses due to movements of an ordinary "front end," is allowed a degree of flexibility in its mounting upon a firm and solid platform—the massive box-section front member which takes the place of an orthodox axle. The radiator as seen externally is a shell, separate from the actual cooling block. Also, the slats in front are fixed, and do not act as shutters, while the filling orifice is beneath the bonnet, the cap on top of the radiator, surmounted by the "B" emblem, being a dummy. Temperature control is by a thermostat, which by-passes the radiator until normal working temperature is reached. One of the two S.U. carburettors has incorporated with it a thermostatically regulated starting device, which has the effect of automatically enriching the mixture for cold starting. Control of the ignition distributor is entirely automatic. As to the front springing, while clearly the system of wishbone construction, open coil spring and integral hydraulic shock absorber has been very carefully worked out to give the required results, over-elaboration is not suggested by the layout. As might be expected, it is typically workmanlike to the eye, and unquestionably efficient in practice. It is noticeable how neatly the brake-operating linkage has been rearranged in conjunction with the new suspension details. Brake operation continues, of course, to be through the long-tried Rolls-Royce type of mechanical servo. Another noteworthy feature in the design of this chassis is the use of a two-part open propeller-shaft. At a point some distance aft of the gear box and forward universal joint the shaft is "broken," and an intermediate joint introduced, whence a short final shaft runs to the rear axle of hypoid bevel type. One beneficial result of this rearrangement is that the floor of the rear compartment is flat, objectionable wells being entirely dispensed with. This, coupled with the still greater benefit of a wide rear seat accommodating three passengers with ample leg room, is a step forward indeed. Many are the features that go to make up this singularly attractive machine that might be mentioned individually. Max Millar's detailed drawing of the chassis, and the smaller sketches and photographs, can be left to tell the story of the most advanced high-grade British chassis which has yet emerged from the drawing-board stage. A 7 This near-side engine view indicates the new disposition of all the driven external auxiliaries on this side, whereas certain of these components were formerly on the off side. The very large carburettor air intake silencer and cleaner will be observed; at the rear of the engine are the water connections for the interior heater system fitted as standard. The twin ignition coils (one in reserve), and the General by-pass oil filter are seen. Immediately to the left of the fan belt will be noticed a member of triangulated construction; this is the forward engine mounting, supporting the unit at one point only, high up. The fan blades, incidentally, are arranged in pairs. Attachment, on Silentbloc bushes, of the dash structure to the main frame, whereby a degree of flexibility of this lightweight unit is permitted. Check mounting at the rear end of the gear box whereby the lateral movement permitted by the relatively "soft" method of attachment of the unit in the frame is kept under control. | ||