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 standardisation of bonnet louvres for the 20-HP chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 102\6\ scan0037 | |
| Date | 13th July 1926 | |
| S/W for Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}✓ (S/W is struck through) X5260 (handwritten and struck through) CWB3/GM/13.7.26. Copy to:- C. (struck through) Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} (struck through) Bs.{A J. Barnes - Assistant Manager} for Sales Conference. re 20-HP. CHASSIS. MODIFIED LOUVRES TO BONNET. ------------------------------------------- On 22.2.26 there was completed standardisation sheet No. 8260, by which the shape of the louvres of the bonnet was altered. At the time the shape of the louvres was considered extremely satisfactory and probably the very best shape which could be adopted, but there was some doubt expressed by the Sales Conference as to whether the proportion which the length of the louvre bore to the height of the bonnet side, and the disposition of it with respect to the bonnet side, gave the very best result and By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} was asked to prepare drawings of two alternative bonnet sides with different proportions in respect of length of louvre and position on the side. From these prints, bonnet sides painted to imitate louvres have been prepared and the effect compared with that of the new standard, and as a result two patterns have been chosen by the Sales Conference. One is exactly similar to Print E3993, which is returned herewith, and the other is intermediate between this print and the standard, the angle formed by the top and bottom ends of the louvres being the same, but the louvres being 1" shorter at the top only than standard instead of 1¼" shorter, as E3993. Both of these patterns are considered by the Sales Conference to give a neater and better appearance to the bonnet and to the car generally than the present standard, and opinion is divided as to which looks the better. I am sending by separate post these two painted bonnet sides. Would you please compare them and decide from all points of view which you consider preferable, and then initiate a standardisation sheet for the introduction of the finally approved pattern in due course. Enclosure. [Signature] CWB. | ||