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).
Process of implementing appearance changes to the chassis and proposing a list of features for the 20/25 model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 12\6\ 06-page055 | |
| Date | 10th July 1931 | |
| X7830 SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} FROM DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}2/10.7.31. C. to WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}+ re. MODERN APPEARANCE OF R.R. CARS. X.3993. X.5830. X.7830. A charge sometimes made against the Design Dept. is that it is frequently so long before the production chassis recives the benefits of changes in appearance recommended by Sales. To a large degree this is due to these improvements being designed for a (mythical) new chassis - for example J.3. Instead of the new chassis being put into production from stem to stern, at the last moment certain mechanical details only are singled out and applied to the standard production chassis. These details are the ones which shew a marked improvement over the corresponding ones on production. As it is a last minute rush to get the features on to the next series and change affecting coachwork which is in construction, or in stock, has to be rigorously excluded. So that it is that many features for improved appearance get put back time after time. This would be avoided if we could consider the changes in external features far enough ahead, that is to say, we should have them tested in advance of any mechanical features that would be standardised with them. In a way features of appearance need to be settled 6 months ahead of mechanical features in order that coachbuilders' stocks could be arranged to meet the change. Of the features on the 20/25, which have been done for some while we have in mind: (1) Shallow top tank to radiator. (2) Longer bonnet passing over dash 2" or more. (3) Raised side shoulder to bonnet. (4) Wider back end of bonnet. (5) Dropped sides of bonnet and P. 2. catches. (6) Radiator moved forward. (7) Dropped base of radiator. (8) Modified rear end of frame to increase depth of rear cushion. (9) Raised headlamps. Of these features we have achieved (6) and (7) because coachwork is affected. The other items have all been done for J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. A model of them was seen by yourself in Derby and it was agreed that the appearance was sufficiently satisfactory to make it worth while putting them on the 1st. experimental J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. Unfortunately there never was an experimental J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. Can we not now fit items (1),(2),(3),(4),(5),(9) together with the flip flap shutters and the rivetless bonnet | ||