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).
Confidential memorandum discussing the design of sports bodies for the New Phantom model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 71\1\ scan0148 | |
| Date | 7th August 1925 | |
| Confidential 18830 to HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1.7-8-25. S E C R E T E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} A.{Mr Adams} C. II. RE SPORTS BODIES ON NEW PHANTOMCodename for PHANTOM I When I was last in London the C.S.C. discussed the design of the sports body for the New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I Riviera Trials Car 1926. for PN.{Mr Northey} The first designs were similar to those we did but they did not meet with approval as PN.{Mr Northey} insists on a long chassis, widefront seat as well as full width and leg room for the rear seat, large screen, hood and side curtains. The only sporting feature about it was the rather rakish wings. We feel that such a policy if carried through will only lead to dissatisfaction for weight and wind resistance are of first importance. The C.S.C. are somewhat of the same opinion. We therefore suggest that, as we are proposing to fit up one of our sports bodies, we should make the best job possible so that, should any comments arise as a result of the Riviera Trials 1926, we shall be able to demonstrate our views. The body we have and which has now been sent to you is in itself quite good. It is light and about the minimum in size for a 2 seater with double seat in the cockpit. The wings and screen as now fitted we do not like at all, nor did we when we drew them. The car looks like a man in running shorts waders and a top hat. On N.Sch.2042 herewith we shew the type of wings and screen which we would like to have fitted. If the screen is thought to be too high we think it might be got lower by dropping the driving seat & column 2.000 ins. We would like to have your views on the subject. If you will arrange for the job to go through we will do the necessary design and supervision. When last I was in London the car was at Barker's so if it has not been returned it will be on the spot ready. Lately we have seen several Hispano's and Isotta's with such bird-like wings and they looked very fine. We have made the hood detachable on these cars as we consider that normally the hood will be left off so as to reduce the wind resistance and to improve the appearance. We presume that with such a light body and reduced windage together with a slightly "hotted up" engine we shall be able to have the 17/52 axle without loss of acceleration. These suggestions were put up to L.H.S.{Lord Herbert Scott - Chair} and the C.S.C. in a somewhat semi-official way and it was thought that such a car would be of educational value on the subject of sports cars of which we have never attempted before ourselves. EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||