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).
Component weight reduction and competitive analysis against other manufacturers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 132\2\ scan0057 | |
| Date | 1st August 1939 | |
| -2- STEERING. The worst feature of the steering is the column controls. Now that we are getting rid of controls down the column, we ought to be able to bring this in line with other people's weights. EXHAUST SYSTEM. We do not think that our exhaust system should be made of more expensive material than other people's, and at the same time weigh more. We are gradually improving. The 'Ripplet' system is lighter and cheaper than that of the B.V. WHEELS AND TYRES. Naturally if the car is lighter, wheels and tyres can be lighter. The weight of our wheel equipment is a reflection on the weight of our chassis. CHASSIS ELECTRICAL. We ought not to be 24 lbs heavier than the Humber. BODY. - B-V.{VIENNA} Our body is 54 lbs heavier than that of the Humber. We have more width, they have greater length. We, on the other hand are using aluminium wings. We are compiling a weight analysis showing the percentage of the chassis weight which is allotted to each section of the chassis on seven popular priced American cars, which will give us a lead on what other people are doing. We are inclined to believe that it would pay us to get the latest 14 H.P. Vauxhall in place of the Humber before we get too far with the design of the 2-litre Junior Rationalised Programme. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||