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).
Advantages of fixed roof car bodies over convertible heads for luxury cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5\2\ 02-page071 | |
| Date | 22th December 1926 | |
| To BJ. SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} C. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} ) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} 15830 RA/M22.12.26. c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} PN.{Mr Northey} CWB. BODIES FOR RR. CARS. X.8830 X.5830 X.7830 Although the Beatonson head is far better than an ordinary open car, the fact that it can be taken down prevents it being upholstered, and otherwise carried out as a perfect closed car of first class inside appearance. So that our present tendency in all utility first class luxury cars is to have a fixed roof, but it must be light and free from drumming, therefore of leather or fabric, and the bodies we are proposing to recommend are similar to the Hooper fixed cabriolet, (two promised for trial at 50% from retail price), and the Barkerlite for the 20 HP., which Sales are arranging to have for trials. No one could say but that such a scheme is very good and necessary, and should be pressed forward with vigour, so that we should have something to shew buyers, and discourage heavy, noisy, top-heavy bodies on all our chassis, especially the 20 HP., which is more susceptible to weight. The minimum of glass should be used as this and its fittings add to the weight, and sometimes take up valuable room. There is not the slightest doubt that bodies should be compared and proved for durability on rough French roads at high and low speeds. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||