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).
Optimal placement of spare wheels on the Continental Touring Saloon.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\1\ Scan114 | |
| Date | 9th June 1931 | |
| X/120 TO SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} FROM V.{VIENNA} EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/9.6.31. COPY TO WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} PN.{Mr Northey} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} RE CONTINENTAL TOURING SALOON. The design of the continental Touring Saloon is a compromise. We know of no design which will give ample body capacity, unlimited luggage accomodation, and the best weight distribution at all times. we will deal with the various alternatives separately. WHEELS AT THE SIDE. With the sports wings side spare wheels are difficult due to the troughs in the wings. the appearance of the car is not so good as the lines are obliterated. We agree that Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} should tell us the effect of the change on the road holding, steering and riding. We know already that the effect on the wind resistance is negligible, and in any case cannot be considered as our chief competitor who can beat our performance of maximum speed, may have wheels at the side, not rear tail and ordinary wings. We have reason to believe that with this arrangement the 1.5% gain due to cleaning up the rear would be about equalled by the loss due to the side wheels. ONE WHEEL AT THE SIDE AND ONE AT THE REAR, AFT OF CHASSIS TUBE This is the next best arrangement to the two wheels at the rear from the weight distribution point of view, but Sales say that the public object to the unbalanced appearance of the wheel at one side only. The luggage space would be increased to the extent of 9 ins. STREAMLINE. Our tests on the old open sports car with a tail indicate that to get any benefit from the shape of the car we have to make it a freak. The effect of the removal of the rear spare wheels and the extension of the luggage trunk case or boot cannot be considered. If a cleaning up of the rear were of value we suggest that the two rear wheels be included in the rear luggage boot. A design of this is enclosed. CONCLUSIONS. We would suggest that we ourselves on trials cars and show cars should continue to sell the continental Touring Saloon as it now is, because we believe it is the best compromise. We have sold many and appear to have been asked for very little modification to the original design. When a customer complains of the luggage accomodation, provided Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} raised no serios objection as the result of his tests, we can suggest to him the alternative of the wheels at the side. The luggage space should be ample for our own use on Trials Cars, and any inconvenience on this account is worth while for the sake of having a car which will demonstrate well. | ||