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).
Desired car bodies for the 20HP model and competitor analysis following a visit to the Olympia Motor Show.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\P\2October1926-December1926\ Scan051 | |
| Date | 9th November 1926 | |
| TO BJ. WCR. ) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ) FN. ) ORIGINAL R1/M9.11.26. OLYMPIA VISIT. X631 X5830 (1) I am very anxious that we have for sale a really light and silent saloon body for the 20HP. I think it would have to be a Weyman type, narrow, but must have ample room inside, and not overhang. (2) Also a really smart and fast sports body with suitable unspoilt but light chassis and powerful engine - 100 MPH. and great acceleration. If I were wealthy (1) and (2) are what I would like to see in my garage. BJ. C. SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Mr. Nutt agree it would do the RR. Co. good. Works will see the chassis/and the seating position for the body. Barkers will continue to produce suitable bodies. Many good small engines were shewn at Olympia, mostly unfinished, exactly the scheme of Goshawk 1. The Alfa Romeo was one. I think the 20HP. RR. with large body and coarse louvres in our Show-rooms is bad for the premier position: personally I would destroy the bonnet. Something more must be done to discourage the big heavy bodies on the 20HP. Costly designs - Our designs are not costly for our position: they are less costly than many of the cars shewn. Daimler 12 cyl. - This is too complicated for a motorcar. If it is necessary to have such a bag of tricks to move even a large luxurious body, something seems wrong. No Vee engine makes a really good chassis in our opinion. Several makes have gone backwards. I think some are distinctly good. Very few are dangerous, but there are two or three. I mention no names purposely. Our high speed model should have either Bugatti type, or better still bicycle type splashers, as shewn on Sunbeams, carried off the brake drum carriers. If we are out for 100 MPH. we must have this speed at under 3000 RPM. (master vibration speed.) EAC. 7. chassis is more suitable for the speed model, being lighter, and holds the road better. Mechanic's universal joints as used on Packard. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||