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).
Challenges and possibilities of fitting V-8 and 12-cylinder engines into the Wraith Chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\6\ 06-page037 | |
| Date | 15th October 1935 | |
| To Dg. & Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} pr.{Percy H. Rose} to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} pr.{Percy H. Rose} to Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} c. to Ol. 600 Ha/Suth.T/HPH.15.10.35. Wraith Chassis. E.1/HP.14.10.35. A short time ago we looked into the problems of Wraith with a V.8 engine, but decided that this type of engine presented great difficulties on account of its width. An overhead valve, 4 1/4 litre, V-8 engine, with R.R. proportions for pistons and connecting rods, would be about 28" wide. The present 20/25 radiator is 23" wide. To get this under a standard bonnet the engine would have to be 19" behind the radiator, and the bonnet would have to be about 40" long. There is no doubt that a 12-cylinder, 4 1/4 litre engine makes a very attractive proposition in the existing shape of motor car. The cylinders would be Peregrine size - an engine of which we have already had considerable experience - and the Peregrine was only 2" longer than the 3.6 litre Ford engine. Ha/Suth. | ||