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).
The design and introduction of longer bonnets for the 25 HP series cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 102\6\ scan0128 | |
| Date | 3rd December 1931 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 85260. S/W. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} (c. to Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD},Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}, DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}Bs.{A J. Barnes - Assistant Manager}Hn{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders}) re- Longer Bonnets for 25 h.p. We have this morning placed before Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}, N.Scheme 3381, being the design for the longer bonnet intended for "W" series 20/25 h.p. After discussing with Ev{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} the difficulties which would attend lengthening the bonnet any more than the 3" shown, and bearing in mind that we shall also get 2.6" more length to the bonnet at the forward end when the dropped radiator is introduced on the 101st in "T", we have decided that we should like to introduce the longer bonnet as per N.Scheme 3381 if possible before the introduction of "U" series. In your BY/Ogh5/G25.11.31, you said that if a quick decision was made you could probably introduce this bonnet with the wider dashboard for the last 50 in "T" series, and so far as Sales are concerned we should like to have this longer bonnet introduced at that point. We think we are correct in stating that whereas the dash is being made wider to suit the wider taper of the bonnet, it will remain in its present position, and therefore the bonnet will overhang by the 3" extension. In view of Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}'s approval of this scheme you will no doubt decide to at once put into circulation a Standardisation Sheet, and arrange to let us have this special dash and bonnet for the Stock Car which has been ear-marked for same. Will you now please let us know whether it will be possible to introduce this longer bonnet on the 151st in "T", and if not the earliest that it could be introduced. It is important that we should have this information as soon as possible, as we must instruct those Coachbuilders who are building standardised bodies for us with regard to the point at which they must refrain from building up and panelling scuttles. Please therefore treat the matter as urgent in that respect. Presumably these bonnets will be of the rivetless type and will have dropped sides, as in use on Phantom II, together with Phantom II bonnet fasteners. You will of course bear in mind that in conjunction with this longer bonnet we still propose to use the side wheel carriers for spare wheels. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} | ||