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).
Seating configuration and performance of a new 100 m.p.h. car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 160\2\ scan0151 | |
| Date | 3rd August 1933 | |
| X4578 To Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}14/KT.3.8.33. We attach a copy of your note; the results are encouraging. We await with interest the picture of the model. I have been thinking the matter over regarding this 100 m.p.h. car, and the more I consider it, the more certain I am that it should be a two-seater. If it is a four-seater, 75% of the occupants are going to be unhappy. In any case at 100 m.p.h. the only person who is really enjoying himself is the driver. If in addition the three passengers are cramped, which they are bound to be, they are going to be uncomfortable at low speeds as well as when the car is running fast. If it is made into a two-seater with the two front seats staggered, both occupants will have plenty of room. However, this can be discussed with Sales. You will see from the power figures report - Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}3/KT.3.8.33. - that I am circulating, that we have managed to extract 18 H.P. more out of the Bentley engine at 4500 r.p.m. This should bring the lap speed of your streamlined car to very nearly 100 m.p.h. (Don't tell Sales this or they will stop our model car and they think they can go fast enough with the standard saloon.) I am a bit apprehensive about the undersheet, but perhaps we shall be able to leave it off without disadvantage. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||