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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).
Driving visibility, mascot obstruction, and radiator cap design to comply with Ministry of Transport regulations.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 117\1\  scan0112
Date  21th May 1937
  
[Handwritten top left: C to Rml Ltd]
[Handwritten center: 1021]
[Handwritten top right: hold By / STD]

W/S.

To C. from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer}

c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} E/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}

E.2/HP.21.5.37.

Driving Visibility.

In connection with the above subject, and our minute in the Coachwork conference reported in E.1/HP.21.5.37 it should be realised that unless there is a concession granted by the Ministry of Transport it will not be possible to fit mascots in future on the Phantom III and 25/30 in this Country. Even accounting for binocular vision there is definite obstruction with the R.R. mascot, but not with the Bentley.

With regard to the radiator cap, we have now made some designs for reducing the height to the very minimum.

The present function of the radiator cap is to allow access to the steam valve and to carry a mascot where permitted.

We shortly hope to dispense with the steam valve on our radiators, and this will permit us to lower the cap with impunity, and its duty will be limited to the latter function.

We are attaching herewith blueprints of M.Sch's 5136 and 5137 showing alternative designs which we think will comply with the official requirements as near as can be observed.

It should be pointed out that all our tests have been made with the cars unladen, except for the driver, as was done at the official trials at Chiswick.

With the Phantom III carrying its normal load we should be definitely outside the official prescribed field of vision.

We think however that the abolishment of "F" type steering which I believe has been officially agreed to would just about put us right again for visibility with a laden car, and the proposed lowering of the radiator and waist line for future Phantoms would give us a margin on the right side.

E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer}
  
  


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