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).
Philosophy of gradual design alterations to the bonnet and radiator, using an analogy of the human nose.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 66\3\ scan0154 | |
| Date | 11th January 1927 | |
| 48260 To DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to BJ. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} RE. 40/50 BONNET AND MEMO. X. 8260 X. 8350 Rl/M3.1.27. X. 7260 If the human nose were suddenly doubled in length for some physiological necessity we should think it looked abominable, but if the alteration took place over a considerable number of generations it would not be noticed. The moral is to alter the bonnet and radiator by small steps only in the logically correct direction, and we shall then maintain its degree of usefulness and suitability for the requirements of the chassis etc. without disturbing public appreciation of its appearance. As Mr. Royce points out there have been many alterations to the RR. radiator and bonnet since the first 40/50 HP. chassis. Regarding the five modifications enumerated on page 3. of Rl/M3.1.27., I should vote for all of these except (4) which says 'Perhaps slightly narrower at rear end'. These proposed modifications are all supported by the general tendency in radiator and bonnet design of our competitors, which should generally be founded on similar requirements to our own. | ||