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).
Modifications required to increase the length of B.50 frames to accommodate a Straight Eight engine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 112\2\ scan0104 | |
| Date | 29th August 1938 | |
| 827 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/AFM.{Anthony F. Martindale} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/R.29.8.38. Increase in Length of B.50 Frames. We are hoping to be able to replace the P.III by using a Silver Wraith with the wheelbase extended to 11 ft 6 in. on the Straight Eight engine. We do not make enough P.III's a year to justify a completely new frame. What we want to try and do is to make the minimum modifications to the frame to get the maximum amount of stiffness without upsetting its basic shape. We want also, if possible to be able to use the side member frame dies of B.50 with an extension put in the middle. We should like consideration to be given as to what is the best way to tackle this frame. Leslie could get the costs of any modifications to the dies which might be contemplated, such as increasing the gauge of the side members. We suggest that we should consider making an section cross if this is thought to be one of the best moves as the cross for this length of chassis would, in any case, have to be special. We do not think that we should require any- thing stiffer from the dashboard to the rear axle centre line, either in torsion or bending, than the existing Wraith frame. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||