Rolls-Royce Archives
         « Prev  Box Series  Next »        

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).
Letter discussing design improvements for a handle and a foot grip, suggesting alternative materials and finishes.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 149\5\  scan0158
Date  23th October 1933
  
943

Experimental Dept.

Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}7/KT.

Oct 23rd, 1933.

Messrs Kinsman Ltd.,
Bond Street,
Stirchley,
B'ham.

For the attention of H.W. Chapman Esq..

Dear Sirs,

We beg to acknowledge with thanks your letter of the 21st inst.

With regard to the handle we think possibly that it should be made in polished mahogany as you suggest, and also modified in design with a view to getting away from the present massive, square looking shape, at the moment it looks heavy and rather crude.

The foot grip has been criticised, not on account of its utility, but because of its appearance. We find that people who buy our cars do not like the looks of pieces of wire, however practical they may be. It is better to sacrifice weight and cost to achieve a better looking article. Would it be possible to incorporate foot grips with the base casting? The whole casting should then have a good black stove enamel finish. The casting could be made in Hiduminium or some other good aluminium alloy to obtain the necessary strength, and at the same time keep the weight down.

Yours faithfully,

FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED.
  
  


Copyright Sustain 2025, All Rights Reserved.    whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble
An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙