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).
Summary of design trends in 1940 cars, extracted from a S.A.E. journal.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\3\ scan0064 | |
| Date | 9th February 1940 | |
| file 1104 TRENDS IN DESIGN - 1940 CARS. In the S.A.E. Journal of November 1939 there is a very good resume of the trend in design of 1940 cars. Everyone should read this, but the following are extracts which particularly apply to our own work. (1) The compression ratio of the new 3 1/2" bore straight-8 Packard, which is directly comparable with our own new engine, is 6.45 : 1 with 6.85 : 1 as an optional. This is an 'L' head engine and is fitted with hydraulic valve lifters. This engine develops 160 h.p. at 3500 r.p.m. and has 9 main bearings. (2) Hudson's have raised their compression ratio from 6.5 to 7 : 1 on the six and from 6.25 to 6.5 on the eight. (3) Chevrolet are using a 2-piece tappet. This will undoubtedly save weight. (4) Pontiac's are using a chromium nickel exhaust valve. (5) Chrysler's are using a deeper top compression ring. (6) Ford's are increasing their main bearing area at the expense of the big end, as we have done. (7) Filters have appeared as standard equipment on the Plymouth and all Buicks, also on the Packard. (8) Buick's are using a pressure cooled system which raises it 7 lbs. per sq.inch. (9) Shallower petrol tanks are being used to lower bodies. (10) La{L. A. Archer} Salle chokes have been increased 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" diameter. | ||