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).
Feasibility of using different car bodies on the Ripplet and Rippletto chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 117\2\ scan0072 | |
| Date | 28th October 1939 | |
| SECRET 1021 & 1022 To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c.c. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}2/MH.{M. Huckerby}28.10.39. RE BODIES FOR RIPPLET & RIPPLETTO. We have been trying to weigh up the body situation for the following cars - First Ripplet - 3 1/2 litre - 2.R.2. First Rippletto - 2 litre - having in mind using the special body already designed for Ripplet and the existing body on 7.B.V. The body weights and constructions are - Ripplet - wood and alum - 7.5 cwts. 7.B.V. - steel and alum. - 9.0.cwts. We cannot use the Ripplet body on Rippletto, because (1) The scuttle is for an R.R. bonnet. (2) All designs of bonnet are done and issued for this bonnet for Ripplet. Likewise we cannot use 7.B.V. body on Ripplet because (1) A new scuttle would be required to suit the R.R. bonnet, and also a special bonnet and valance strips because 7.B.V. body is too narrow at the screen pillars. If, however, we reverse the proposal no difficulty is experienced in using the Ripplet body on the chassis 2.R.2. for which it and all designs are complete. The problem is to use 7.B.V. body on Rippletto. The troubles are:- (1) The rear boot appears to be too small to accommodate the spare wheel no matter what we do to the boot floor or interior. There is just a chance we might be able to lie it on the present luggage boot floor if we recessed it into the rear seat squab, and into the depth of the boot lid.{A. J. Lidsey} | ||