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).
Letter to coachbuilder Barker & Co. detailing issues and suggested improvements for a 9-PK Double Enclosed Limousine.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\4\ scan0290 | |
| Date | 5th June 1925 | |
| COPY TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ✓ X9770 "CAMACHAHenry Royce's office in West Wittering" WEST WITTERINGHenry Royce's home town. CHICHESTER. 5th. June 1925. Messrs Barker & Co. (Coachbuilders) Ltd. Olaf Street. Latimer Road. LONDON. W. Dear Sirs, (FOR ATTENTION OF MAJOR DINGWALL.) re. 9-PK - DOUBLE ENCLOSED LIMOUSINE. The writer has tried this car during the last weekend, and has taken the opportunity of shewing it to Mr. Royce. We are pleased to say that the body is practically free from booming, and on the whole extremely successful. There are one or two little points that we would like you to reconsider, chiefly concerning the valances. The box valance over the rear spring 'biscuit tins' or 'oil-cans', and when it moves due to deflection of the chassis it fouls the subframe, and also the valance in front of it. The front shackle of the rear spring with its oiler also fouls the box valance. When on the road these features create rather a loud noise. We think that the box valance over the rear spring will need stiffening, and that it should have clearance between itself and the wing, and between itself and the valance in front of it. Since it may be difficult to curve its face it may be necessary to stiffen it on the inside by pieces of bent strip. The hexagon heads of the bolts for the distance pieces supporting the valance are not elegant, and we suggest that perhaps a form of snap head would look better. Apart from these few details we have no criticisms to make, but would rather like to take this opportunity of thanking you for assisting us in this experiment, which we believe will do much to relieve your coachwork of the great stresses which it has to bear, so producing a lighter and a stronger body. The car will be returned to you immediately, and no doubt you will take the opportunity of trying it for yourselves. Yours faithfully, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LTD. | ||