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).
Design reasons for the rear apron on the 20/25 HP model.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\W\May1931-August1931\ Scan107 | |
| Date | 25th August 1931 | |
| Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/bV. from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Ltd. c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. RV. C. c. OX. En. ORIGINAL Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Ltd/AD25.8.31. X.4531. 20/25 HP. REAR APRON. There were several reasons for making the rear apron on 19-GIV without the complete ridge covering the fittings and extending the whole width of the car. (1) Each fitting was covered independently in order that they might be more accessible. If the ridge is extended the whole width of the car it becomes impossible to use the main and reserve petrol tap without removing the apron unless the remote control is used, this does not come on until 101 in T. series and was not therefore fitted to 19-GIV. (2) It was thought that the method employed gave a much less heavy appearance than the one you suggest. The complete width ridge was tried first and appeared heavy and unsightly. It did not work in nicely with the curves of the rear body panel. (3) The existing wing valences were not extended to the dumb irons in the interests of economy. (4) We had no design to work to, and could not anticipate your criticisms. We suggest that before we make up another apron you give us a complete design to work to. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Ltd. | ||