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).
Suitability of a car body for achieving speed records on the 'White Knave'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 29\3\ Scan001 | |
| Date | 23th December 1910 | |
| [Typed Text] N26/BT{Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer}31210. 23.12.10. Re "White Knave". -------- Mr. Barrington. 23.12.10. Do you calculate we shall be able to make good records if the body shown on the attached print is mounted on the "White Knave"? [Handwritten Note - Left Margin] X788 [Handwritten Note - Red Ink] Mr U'down. 10.1.11 This is not a matter which can be calculated. I can only say that in my opinion the body is of suitable design for the purpose for which it is intended. I would suggest however, - that the petrol tank be removed from the rear, could we not hide it away under the scuttle dash? all the superstructure at present on the dash could be placed elsewhere; - that the undershield be carried right back (with slots for the propeller shaft etc) sweeping up to meet the "run up" of the bulge of the body at the back. I am not sure that this could be managed. I think Mr Johnson's suggestion re projecting stern is a good one and could be easily carried out. The fabric stern could not in practice be carried out so far, the result would be a speed freak, but I think Mr Johnson means something on the lines of the Bruce Henry Brougham Daimler, this would not help very much unless the petrol tank were removed, and the undershield carried back to meet it as suggested. In my opinion we have not yet enough power from the Knave - we do not approach Napiers in this respect, and altho' I think the body is what is required (with suggested alterations) yet I do not see how we can at present beat the Napier records. (If you cannot put the tank in the scuttle dash perhaps it could be built into the stern) | ||