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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).
Design proposals for the Spectre model's radiator grille and frontal appearance.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 4\1\  01-page327
Date  17th April 1935
  
SECRET.
To Dr. JBH. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}
c.c. ~~Mr. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rer. WAC.~~

SpectreCodename for Phantom III Frontal Appearance and Column Controls.

The sloping radiator models have now been inspected in position on No.2. SpectreCodename for Phantom III by Mr. Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}, C. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Fm. and E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer}

It was generally agreed that the vertical position of the radiator is preferable and the two sloping alternatives can therefore be forgotten.

With regard to the radiator grid, the Sales do not like the appearance of this. They prefer the effect of our existing type of radiator shutters. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} has suggested trying an alternative grid with double the number of large vertical flutes. This will have to be looked into as, of course, it reduces the air flow.

The difficulty in returning to thermostatically controlled shutters is, apart from the question of changes in the circulation system, that when the shutters are fully opened the internal structure of the radiator shell is exposed to view and would look unsightly.

We might try EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}'s proposal of using polished flutes with overlapping wings having spaces between for air flow, giving the effect somewhat of half open shutters but arranged so that one half of the radiator has the bias in one direction and the other half in the other direction, to produce an even affect up to the centre line of the radiator on each side.

Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} also suggests cutting about 3" off the bottom of the radiator, with the object of giving a raised effect to the front of the car. The front apron would be curved up to the higher bottom line thereby formed, and possibly the added frontal space used for the number plate. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} considers that the present position of the number plate
  
  


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