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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).
The specifications and modifications for a left-hand drive chassis intended for the American market.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 19\4\  Scan203
Date  25th September 1930
  
To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}

c. to BE.
c. to WHr.{Mr Wheeler}

X777
Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}1/MJ.25.9.30.
X7941E

LEFT-HAND CHASSIS FOR AMERICA.

With reference to the points raised in WHr{Mr Wheeler}/Rol6/WP21.5.30., the following is the position as known to the Expl. dept. :-

(a) Body Subframe. - Not to be supplied. 25-EX, which is going to America is fitted with a subframe. We still hold the view however, that if consideration is given in the construction of the body the subframe is not essential.

(b) Exhaust Cut-out - Not to be supplied. This has all been arranged for and is not fitted to 25-EX.

(c) Steering. - To be left-handed with necessary consequential modifications including gearbox and brake levers. Instructions and tests of these parts have all been completed satisfactorily, except that we have in hand a modification to increase the range on the brake lever. This will be carried out on 25-EX. car.

(d) Carburetter Exhaust Heated - This has been arranged for and is fitted to 25-EX.

(e) & (f) Wheels & Tyres. - Originally it was agreed at Verrey's conference that U.S.A. should build up their own wheels, taking the hubs and shells from us. The proposal then was to use straight sided tyres 19" x 7". We obtained a set of wheels and tyres of this type and tested them out on the first left hand car. They did not give as good results as regards steering as our present standard wheels and tyres. It was afterwards agreed (see Oy's memo 22.8.30) that 20" wheels with the 4" rim would be accepted on the left-hand cars. the 4" rim is
  
  


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