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 feasibility and planning for producing car bodies, referencing the Corniche and future Bentley designs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 153\3\ scan0239 | |
| Date | 12th January 1944 | |
| -6- Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/JH.12.1.44. produce all the necessary working drawings, to carry out the planning and costing. Although we may subsequently find it necessary and desirable to produce bodies from bought out parts, such as pillars and panels, made to our design and construction, or to assemble bodies bought out in 5 or more major sections, it does not seem feasible to launch out into this unknown field for Stage I of the programme. We have not the knowledge, the time nor the personnel to carry it out. Our experience is very limited. It would appear that a cost comparison between the Park Ward Construction and that of Pressed Steel can be arrived at only if Mr. Ward is persuaded through the higher levels to take action. If doubt is felt about the value of his figures, then a suitable production body engineer should be given a watching brief on behalf of this Company to analyse his figures. I cannot but feel that by far the most backward portion of the Stage I programme is the coachwork. Although Corniche is included in Stage I, of the programme, I have not treated it under the main coachwork heading for the same. All records, except a few outline drawings of the body have been lost, and quite a volume of work would be entailed in producing a small batch of these bodies. Had a full size drawing and samples have existed it would have been a help, but the whole job would have needed redesigning for production in England. Such features as the lamps, wings, radiator grille, etc. could only be produced at a reasonable price in pre-war France. It is interesting to note that whilst the Corniche was quite unique in its day, now the majority of large American Cars such as Cadillac, Chrysler, Ford Lincoln, very much resemble it. If I left it outside an expensive American hotel amidst a string of modern (1941) American cars, it would arouse no special interest. As a root from which the future Bentley body design may develop, it is essential that the Paulin Body should be revived and perpetiated and developed. A new design in steel construction is needed, suitable for small quantity home production and using British fittings. The American | ||