Project status of a new 20/25 design, codenamed 'Japan 3', and the plan to build an experimental chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5a\1\ 01-page191 | |
| Date | 1st July 1931 | |
| SECRET. PRIVATE. X5770 S/W. {Sales / Derby Works} To Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to R. {Sir Henry Royce} c. to Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Da. {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Re: Japan(Experimental Engine) 3. Sg {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} 10/DEL.7.31. I am not sure yet whether the correct description of the above is Japan(Experimental Engine) 1, 2, 3 or 4, but it will be clear that I am referring to the new design of 20/25. So far as concerns the actual building of experimental cars in production, we appear to/be no further advanced than we were last winter. I understand that practically all the design work has been done, and I feel, therefore, that the right course is for the Experimental Department to build up one of these chassis as quickly as possible, obtaining the necessary drawings from W.W. We should, I feel, have this chassis ready by the end of October and as soon as I can be supplied with a coachbuilder's blueprint we can take the necessary action in regard to the body. The question of whether we build more than one to start with can be discussed at my first visit to Derby after the holiday, but the main thing seems to be to proceed with the building up of one. Although I have not had an opportunity of discussing the matter with R. {Sir Henry Royce} , I believe he will welcome the idea as being the best and quickest way of "getting a move on" in regard to this matter. Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} | ||
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).