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).
Required design features for future 25HP models regarding axle, springing, engine mounting, and bodywork.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\October1930-February1931\ Scan048 | |
| Date | 29th October 1930 | |
| SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} C. to ~~LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott} WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}~~ C. to ~~C.~~ HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} C. to ~~CX.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}~~ PN.{Mr Northey} C. to ~~EF. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer}~~ DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} R1/M29.10.30. ORIGINAL x5770 25HP. - 1931'CHINA' - 18-G.4 re. VISIT OF HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} & ACL. TO WW. ON 28.10.30. For riding qualities and appearance (which we consider of the first importance) we require the following features which are not yet standard. The bodywork <u>then</u> can be standard in shape and size for this, and the 1932 'Japan', <u>as</u> far as we know at present. No stock bodies should be ordered for present standard. (1) Hypoid axle, .850 drop - this allows the floor of the rear part to be as low as possible and so avoids putting up the roof, or using pots. It will be understood that we cannot spring a high, top heavy car for comfort and the <u>present</u> road speeds. (2) High shouldered radiator with lower bottom tank, for appearance and extra cooling capacity. (3) Rear springing for .5" lower car - i.e. 4.25 bump to compressed rubber = .5" negative camber at full load. (4) For engine vibrations it is decided that we can use, and prefer, the engine mounting tested <u>on this</u> 18-G.4., in which the engine and gearbox unit is supported by trunnions at front and back, and the engine arms take the torque only through the diabolo rubbers shewn on LeC. 2552. - April 1928. (5) If Derby wish we agree to the more recent dynamo drive like P. 2. which we sent to Derby Nov. 1928 - LeC. 2607. (6) For economy it is suggested that we have a <u>metal</u> battery box like P. 2. This can soon be made from EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}'s drawing which will be sent this week. (7) Water overflow covered by valve - owing to the remarkable improvement in preventing loss of water by vibration etc it has been arranged to fit this to the 25HP. as well as P. 2., together with the thermostat radiator having shutters with reduced friction in the lower bearings etc, and present standard or A.{Mr Adams} type fluid (not B.) My criticism of the car brought yesterday was that there were small errors in appearance due to the bonnet and scuttle not matching well: this is to be altered. The appearance, roominess, and upholstery, of the body (Park Ward) was remarkably good. (1) | ||