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).
Lack of knee room in an experimental Wraith Pullman Limousine, focusing on the design of a wooden flap over the extra seats.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 7\5\ X 604 Body-page232 | |
| Date | 2nd May 1939 | |
| 604 Sec. Or-to-Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} -> C. " RH.{R. Hollingworth} Wraith Pullman Limousine. When trying an experimental Wraith, with a body supposed to be of the same dimensions as our Pullman Limousine Wraith at present, I found that the amount of knee room for those sitting in the extra facing forward seats was a little less than I thought was necessary, and this was partly accounted for by the fact that the polished wood flap, which covers over the seats when not in use and to some extent holds them in position, was fixed in a position which just got in the way of my knees. As this wooden flap or shelf is rather thick it took up a good deal of important room at a critical point. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} agreed that this wooden flap was a bit in the way, and should be at least made less robust and possibly anchored higher up out of the way of one's knees. The Works thought it would be easy to overcome the criticism. They have evidently been giving it some thought, and have now written the attached note to say that Park Ward assure them that the seats and shelves are identical to those fitted in the standard Wraith. Even if that is so, and admittedly there is not much difference, if any, there is still I consider room for improvement there in not having the wooden flap exactly where one's knees come, at least those of a person who is as tall as I am. This wooden flap is controlled by a small spring loaded bracket on one side of the aperture into which the seats fold away, and that also from my point of view is in an awkward position. Sitting with one's legs in the most restful position one's knees would rest against the sides of that aperture but this bracket makes it most uncomfortable. Therefore, in raising the height of the flap, if it automatically raises the height of the control lever a double benefit will be obtained. Whilst there may be sufficient room for most people in those extra seats, there is certainly none to spare, and therefore every inch or part of an inch gained is of great benefit. Will you therefore see if Park Ward can (cont) | ||