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).
Wilmot Breeden bumper failure on a trials car and proposed design improvements.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 27a\1\ Scan280 | |
| Date | 27th May 1935 | |
| Rolls Royce Ltd. Works ......By. Levallois Sr/VA6/GM.27.5.35 c. to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} re: Wilmot Breeden special "A" type bumper. Upon examination of chassis B.105.CW Paris Trials car which has just returned from Spain, we find that the n/s "U" bolt n°. B.2463-8362 (as per makers Drg. N°. 8295/2) of the Wilmot Breeden bumper has failed. One of the nuts of the clip is missing and should the other threaded portion of the clip have failed, then a serious accident might have been the result. It appears to us that the clips are put to a fair amount strain when cars are driven over bad and moderately bad roads at high speeds which is often the case on the Continent. We take it that the clips are made of the most suitable and best quality material. Do you not think that it would be an advantage for them to be stiffened up and for the threaded portion to be increased to 3/8". It occurs to us that a certain of "fidgeting" takes place at the point where the clips pass through the top and bottom main springs of the bumper. We shall be glad to have your remarks upon the matter as soon as possible, because we think the matter needs immediate attention. We are in the meantime going to inspect the clips of cars as they become available. As you are aware when the nuts are removed, from on the above mentioned clips the opposite end of the bumper immediately falls to the ground due to "pivot action" where the bumper is attached to the frame. [Handwritten] Hardy. Should like to see these pieces. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Sr/VA. | ||