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 and visibility issues related to the Phantom III front apron and bonnet.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 94\3\ scan0106 | |
| Date | 27th October 1936 | |
| Sheet 2. Steadman This statement hardly bears out experience does it Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c.c. E.Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hr. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} E.2/HP.27.10.36. When by S re Phantom III Front Apron. Replying to your memo Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}9/E.26.10.36, I had gathered from Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} that there was a fairly general feeling that the Phantom III appearance was rather flat fronted, and I was, therefore, interested to see what the Hooper effect had achieved. The view I formed was that the Hooper modification had gone too far, but that we could improve our standard appearance by adding 2 1/2" to the front of the tray instead of the 5" employed on the Hooper. I, therefore, instructed this modification to be made on the body for the long wheelbase chassis so that we could all see the effect. It appeared to me this was a useful experiment, even if we do not adopt it, but I will cancel the instructions if you do not agree. With regard to the question of Phantom III visibility, I believe we can demonstrate that this is no worse than any other big car, but for some reason or other all of our recent Phantom III's seem to be riding high in the front, which has definitely affected driving visibility. I am having this point investigated. You will no doubt recollect that the first Phantom III was lower in all respects as regards the bonnet, than our present design. We had to raise the radiator .35" to avoid the appearance of a dropping side hinge. We then had to raise the complete bonnet and radiator and body waist line an additional inch to improve the general appearance. This unfortunately tended to mask the left hand mudguard, and this fact, together with the high position of the front suspension, I think, is the reason for the visibility not | ||