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).
Coachbuilder designs for a special body, focusing on weight reduction, wheel placement, and other features for the 10-EX model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 71\1\ scan0320 | |
| Date | 14th September 1927 | |
| HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X8830 To DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} from BJ. Copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Copy to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} re 10-EX. BJ14/E14/9/27 With reference to DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/13/9/27, the coachbuilders appear to be quite sanguine in regard to the saving of weight for this special body, but of course we cannot tell until they have had an opportunity of trying. They are taking much more interest in reducing weight now, especially in this case where they realise they may receive an order for 40 or 50 bodies if they are successful in making a good sample. My reference to 10-EX body being a mongrel did not apply specially to appearance but rather to the fact that it was not made originally with speed as the chief consideration but rather a cross between a comfortable and a speedy car, but that was three years ago, and in addition, the original design has been considerably altered at the back, with speed as the chief consideration. We are not quite sure at present whether customers will prefer a naked wheel lying at the back or a bulbous end to the car. We are trying to obtain a number of suitable designs to select from and we can then weigh the fittings to ascertain whether the wheel with a carrier to hold it lying down will be lighter than an entire metal covering for the wheel as on 10-EX; also whether in practice there is any difference in the speed of the car with and without the metal covering or tail; also to what extent the price is reduced if at all; also what is the general appearance. We think a concealed hood will be an advantage and we are considering whether a metal tonneau cover for the rear seats will be necessary and what can be arranged about a windscreen for the back seats. BJ. | ||