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).
Front end appearance and styling of cars, referencing American trends and specific models like the Packard and Phantom II.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 133\4\ scan0029 | |
| Date | 22th October 1934 | |
| x6703 Rem To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Hy.{Tom Haldenby - Plant Engineer} BPr. E.1/HP.22.10.34. re Appearance. On the score of front end appearance nearly all makers showing at Olympia have followed the American trend, with the result that it is very difficult to tell one car from another and a general cow-catcher effect has been achieved swallowing up individuality. That the desired result can be obtained without undue sacrifice in this direction is evidenced in one or two examples. Among the American cars themselves the Packard is the most noteworthy instance in which a characteristic appearance has been maintained in the general cleaning up of the front end of the car, together with the modifications required for a more forward radiator position. In our own case the few things we did to Phantom II, in my opinion, to remove the starter shaft and conceal the front crossmember, greatly improved the appearance of our Show cars. With regard to the SpectreCodename for Phantom III, I feel sure we can introduce a restrained modern front end treatment and still maintain our well known appearance, which is based mainly on the use of straight lines in preference to curves. In this respect we may find the hollow faced grille with pronounced shield shaped finish at the bottom disappointing, and we may also find this same scheme has a troublesome reflection. I have, therefore, produced a further model which I believe has not these disadvantages. This model can be inspected together with the alternative next Thursday. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} | ||