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).
Impact of rear body length and weight distribution on car riding qualities.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 16\7\ Scan114 | |
| Date | 20th October 1928 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} 47410 R7/M20.10.28. c. to BJ. C. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} X.7410 X.7830 X7600 X.507 CARS - RIDING QUALITIES, REAR END. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} is making a series of small drgs. shewing on each of our chassis our suggested treatment of the rear end with different lengths of bodies. As the riding and steering qualities are so influenced by the weight distribution, and the passengers' comfort depends to a great extent on the seating position, we think this is of the utmost importance, and should be issued with every coachbuilders drawing, and supplied to customers when they are choosing or ordering a body. The series of drgs. starts from a very short body and large trunk behind, with one or two spare wheels behind this, to the longest possible body, no trunk, but spare wheel or wheels behind, which is a luggage carrier for emergency use. It will be realised that there is a limit to the length of the car for general convenience - traffic, garage, parking etc. so that when a long body is demanded, ideal conditions are impossible, and other advantages cannot be given. In no case do we recommend a side wheel carrier. We now consider that weight carried here is bad, and the appearance ugly. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||