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).
Meeting notes discussing gearboxes for 20/25 and Bentley models, and the 'Wraith' engine design and size.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\1\ Scan003 | |
| Date | 15th June 1934 | |
| Notes of Meeting. Chassis - RR cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Gearboxes with synchromesh second for 20/25 and Bentley. As the result of a discussion which took place, E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} said that, in scaling down the SpectreCodename for Phantom III gearbox, consideration would be given to its possible adoption for the 20/25 and Bentley in case it is necessary. Textolate Gears. One or two sets are already in use on Company cars. 6 sets are being made for Bentley cars, to put on cars under the Company's control or on cars in the hands of friendly customers, and E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} undertook to investigate the question of introducing a modification on the 20/25 which would enable the same parts to be used as on the Bentley. "Wraith" engine design and size. It was agreed that the experimental cars should have the 3" bore but that the design would be such as to provide for a 3 1/2" bore if later it were found necessary to make the engine bigger. The 3" bore gave an R.A.C. rating of 28.8, capacity 4.167 litres, tax of £29, and from the 1st January next, a tax of £22. The bigger bore would give an R.A.C. rating of 31.25, capacity of 4 1/2-litres, a tax of £32 or £24 as from the 1st January next. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} said that Sales were very keen to keep the engine the smaller size and, if necessary would be quite willing to forego the extra 3" length asked for. It was agreed that possibly the best scheme would be to make this chassis in two lengths, i.e. standard for all non-chauffeur driven bodies, and the 3" longer for the others. It was understood that this would not introduce any design difficulties. | ||