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).
Proposal for a standardized naming system for car components under the 'Rationalised Car Programme'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0266 | |
| Date | 8th December 1939 | |
| 1260 To Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} = Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/MH.{M. Huckerby}8.12.39. RATIONALISED CAR PROGRAMME. With reference to Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}2/6.12.39 we agree nomenclature will help to provide an easy means of making specifications, but if overdone will lead to confusion, for no one but the person who writes the specification will understand them. For engine units we recommend the following for the Senior Range. The initial letter to be either B or R.{Sir Henry Royce} B denotes the features which make the engine suitable for a Bentley, R for a Rolls-Royce. Generally speaking B units will have S.U. carbs. and higher C/R with possibly different camshafts. At present only R.80's exist, no B.80's having been developed. The letter is followed by 80, 60 or 40 according to number of cyls., and the displacement in litres. All engines are assumed to be Cast Iron unless the suffix Alum is added. The Junior Range of engines will be treated in the same way except that the letter M will be prefixed thus:- M.40 1.4 litres. Since this engine will not be made in two types with regard to carbs. there will be no alternative to the letter M.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} For gearboxes and axles we think all that is necessary is to denote the size by the words "Senior" or "Junior" axle followed by ratio and material. The track and wheelbase can be denoted by actual figures. The radiators by the words used to describe them, i.e. Senior small Rolls-Royce. The two steering columns, senior and junior followed by the number of turns from lock to lock to differentiate between the cams. | ||