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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).
Outlining suggestions for the dimensions of a new car model under the 'Junior Rationalised Programme'.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 148\2\  scan0181
Date  27th May 1939
  
1260

By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}

Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}7/R.27.5.39.

JUNIOR RATIONALISED PROGRAMME.

Some of the basic facts which have been considered in the suggestions put forward for the dimensions of this car are as follows:-

(1) We think that the 2½-litre Jaguar has about the minimum length of bonnet which we should like to see on the type of car we are proposing to produce. This is 32" from the dash to the radiator. Into this space we can get the proposed 3 x 4 6-cylinder engine. This engine will be 23.25 over the cylinder block, will be rated at 21 h.p. and be 2.7 litres. The 4-cylinder made out of the same parts will, of course, easily go under the bonnet, be16.25" over the block and will be 1.8 litres, and have an R.A.C. h.p. of 14 if the bore is kept down to 2.95".

(2) With regard to the body dimensions, these should, undoubtedly, be a subject for discussion, but the suggestion is that there should be no alteration from the steering wheel to the heel board of the present B.V., but the width of the body might, with advantage, be reduced.

If we can settle on the engine dimensions, and the scaling down of these, the axle and the gearbox could proceed forthwith.

Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}
  
  


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