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).
Weight-saving, criticising the standardisation of heavy P.100 lamps on the Bentley, and questioning responsibility for weight management.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 88\3\ scan0041 | |
| Date | 26th April 1934 | |
| -2- Ha/Rn.{Mr Robinson}1/KW.26.4.34. We do not know who approves of things like this, presumably there is some sort of standardisation sheet. We agree with E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} entirely over the steering wheel, we do not look upon the weight saving as 3 lbs., but 50% on the item in question. Unless this attitude is adopted nothing can keep the weight down. We note from Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}3/KW.26.4.34 that it has been decided to standardise P.100 lamps on the Bentley. These weigh 50% more than the lamps which were specifically designed for the job and give no more light. Presumably the Sales resistance to the standard lamp made the changeover imperative, as from R2/HP.27.3.34 and Conference notes Ry.1/R.18.4.34. Technical opinion is unanimously against them. We feel that in this case we might have set the fashion as we have done with the Panhard wing. We are convinced that General Motors' streamlined 1934 lamps will make the P.100 look completely old-fashioned in 12 months' time. Inevitably the future trend will be towards Chrysler's scheme where the lamps blend into the wings. Is it not possible to have someone in London who will be responsible for helping us to keep down the weight of the complete standard types of Rolls-Royce cars ? Ha/Rn.{Mr Robinson} | ||