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 radiator shell shape, shutters, bonnet length, and material thickness.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\6\ 06-page017 | |
| Date | 24th August 1933 | |
| -2- One feels that the ideal would be for the matrix to follow the shape of the shell, as on the old Bentley, and of course on our own cars. Alternatively, I think the least we can do, if the above is not possible, is to fit polished shutters. Presumably this latter means reverting to the thermostatically-controlled shutters instead of thermostatically-controlled water. I think you will agree that this really is a serious matter and I cannot help but agree that it is a bit late in the day to bring it up. I should however, be glad if you would kindly have the matter very carefully considered and let me have your views upon the subject. We had also got an impression that one cause of the car not looking nice in the front is the length of the bonnet, and Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} found that we can only cut off 1½" unless we alter the angle of the back end of the bonnet, which apparently has been fixed for the same degree of slope as that of the windscreen. We had this 1½" cut off a bonnet at Park Ward's and it undoubtedly very greatly improved the appearance. Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}, however, is writing you on this matter separately. C. P.S. Incidentally it appears that the shell of the radiator is of such light construction or thin gauge material that it can be very easily dented with just leaning on it, for instance, with your elbow. This point also requires consideration. C. | ||