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).
Design proposals for the front and rear appearance of the 'Spectre' model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 92\1\ scan0003 | |
| Date | 28th March 1934 | |
| X4094 304 SECRET. TO S.....FROM E.V. copy to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} L.W. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}2/IH.28.3.34. re:- SPECTRECodename for Phantom III. REAR END: We confirm our remarks to you on the telephone that whilst from the point of view of appearance we would like the rear eye of the rear spring lowered, yet this does not appear to be possible, as the shackle almost touches the road on full bump with a deflated tyre as drawn at present, and when a perfectly flat road is assumed. We have sketched out a proposed back for the Enclosed Limousine having a concealed grid and an interior filler, and this will be finished off as soon as we receive the final detail of the rear shackle. This is shown vertical, but we believe you propose to slope it forward. On scanning my drawing of J.3 after returning from W, I recollect that the reason for the vertical shackle on that car as on Fer.2 and B.4. was to get the rear cross-tube as far aft as possible to give the maximum accommodation for the petrol tank and luggage grid. FRONT APPEARANCE: We have made a provisional rough sketch of a treatment of the radiator and front wings for the car having independent front wheel suspension. The R.R. tank is retained but the base of the radiator is swept forward. We are now attempting to make a finished Water Colour of the proposal. The R.R. characteristic appearance is maintained. We enclose herewith a copy of our sketch. In parallel with this we are preparing to have made an 1/8th scale wooden model of the car so as to finally get the back and front appearance right and approved. We would like to receive a print of the frame and springs for the orthodox front suspension. The treatment of the wings and frame would be similar for both suspensions in appearance. We presume that the first car will have the orthodox suspension. In the case of the orthodox suspension we believe that you -1- | ||