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, necessity, and aesthetics of car bumpers, with a preference for semi-elliptical shapes.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\U\2January1930-September1930\ Scan097 | |
| Date | 30th April 1930 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ) FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} OY. ) (At Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence.) C. to SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} C. to PN.{Mr Northey} LUS. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} BUMPERS. Bumpers I hate, but suppose they are needed to satisfy fashion, etc. My impression is that they do not justify their weight and ugliness, and the room they take up. Bumperettes at the back considerably reduce the objection to the rear ones. In the case of accidental even small collisions the usual bumpers are almost valueless, and suggest horrible manners. I agree that provision is necessary so that these can be easily fitted. I do not think tubular ones are good mechanically, and at the moment consider that those made from polished flat steel are not good enough in appearance. If polished the reflecting surfaces should be curved, and a semi-elliptical section might be good - Elliptical. [Illustration of a semi-elliptical cross-section of a bumper] Flat. [Illustration of a flat cross-section of a bumper] Leave off the front ones when you can, or make them as narrow and near the road wheels as possible. Every part likely to bump should be flexible, and naturally collapse without damaging the frame. I hope to be the last man to fit these to the car I drive. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||