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).
Expressing a strong opinion against car bumpers, while suggesting a semi-elliptical design if they must be fitted.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\3\ Scan312 | |
| Date | 30th April 1930 | |
| X7772 E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Oy.) (At Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence) C. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} C. PN.{Mr Northey} LHS.{Lord Herbert Scott} Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} BUMPERS Bumpers I hate, but suppose they are needed to satisfy fashion etc. My impression is that they do not justify there weight and ugliness, and the room they take up. Bumperettes at the back considerably reduce the objection to the rear ones. In the case of accidental even small collisions the usual bumpers are almost valueless, and suggest horrible manners. I agree that provision is necessary so that these can be easily fitted. I do not think tubular ones are good mechanically and at the moment consider that those made from polished flat steel are not good enough in appearance. If polished the reflecting surfaces should be curved, and a semi-elliptical section might be good - [Drawing of a semi-elliptical cross-section labelled 'ELLIPTICAL' on the curved top and 'FLAT' on the bottom] Leave off the front ones when you can, or make them as narrow and near the road wheels as possible. Every part likely to bump should be flexible, and naturally collapse without damaging the frame. I hope to be the last man to fit these to the car I drive. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||