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).
Secret memo discussing design and material specifications for a sports car body, including doors, paint, upholstery, footboards, and ventilators.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\L\2July1924-September1924\ Scan45 | |
| Date | 9th November 1924 | |
| TO G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} FROM DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} S E C R E T. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/M11. 9. 24. Copy to - HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} A.{Mr Adams} C. 11. SPORTS BODY. N. SCH.1826. X8830 We thank you for your memo. C5/C8924., and reply to your items in order:- (1) DOORS. The reason we suggested the omission of the driver's door was that we thought this would considerably lighten the body as well as strengthen it. We admit the door is a convenience, and on any touring car would certainly be present. If however there is no appreciable saving in weight we certainly think an off-side driving door should be fitted. (2) PAINTING. The car could be finished painted as we shall have an actual bonnet on the model chassis. The problem will be as to whether the body can be lifted and remounted on the chassis at Derby without destroying the paint. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} will try and arrange for this to be done. (3) UPHOLSTERY. The reason we suggested a not too luxurious driving seat, but rather a stiff seat cushion is because Mr. Royce is in favour of this, especially on a fast and powerful car, where one is liable to feel one has not quite sufficient control of the wheel when on a very free and undamped springing. We would therefore like if possible to obtain a seat that has not too free a cushion spring, and such a seat should have ample thickness of horsehair after the style of the old cushions of a few years ago. This seat problem is rather important as Mr. Royce is very critical about the subject. (4) FOOTBOARDS. We were aware that 'Sorbo' rubber has been standardised as a covering for the front footboards. We do not like it because it fits badly, and must deteriorate with heat and oil, in fact, we have seen a specimen which when treated with oil had swollen up into a huge ulcer. Since these cars will be used experimentally and probably a good deal of oil thrown about, we think this is fatal, and would therefore like you to reconsider the fitting of 'Ribas' cork, suitably bound. Of course this is a matter we can do later on if advisable from the point of view of policy. (5) VENTILATORS. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} has written to R-R of America for two sets of side and top ventilators as fitted to their cars. Immediately they arrive they will be despatched to Barkers. Should however they have not arrived by the time Barkers wish to cut the scuttles, we suggest that they should fit | ||