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).
Letter discussing the pros and cons of fitting sliding roofs on cars, also mentioning ventilation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 117\4\ scan0099 | |
| Date | 31th July 1941 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/EAG.4/SW. C.W. Ward, Esq., Messrs. Park Ward, Ltd., 473, High Road, Willesden, LONDON N.W.10. Dear Mr. Ward, 31st July, 1941. Thank you for your letter of July 23rd, with reference to sun roofs and ventilation. The question of omitting the sliding roof has come up for consideration for many years past when a new model was being considered, and it has always been decided that it was a thing that could not be dispensed with, particularly on a high priced car. It is certainly a thing that I should welcome from the points of view of strength, ease of construction and weight, but from the sales point of view, I am convinced that they should be fitted. While I appreciate that many cars are used without having the sliding roof opened more than two or three times during their existence, I think the majority of people like to know that they have a roof that will open if it is required. Apart from ventilation, one reason, I have had given, is, that it should be fitted from a point of view of safety in the event of an accident and the car being turned on its side, the roof could be opened to allow the passengers to get out. Making sliding roofs optional, complicates line production considerably, as you will appreciate. Also, it is necessary for the sales people to estimate what proportion of each type will be required a considerable way ahead, so that the panel pressing people can be given the necessary instructions. Regarding ventilation, I should say that real air conditioning, in which temperature, humidity and air filtering is dealt with, would be very good. I believe the -continued- | ||