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).
Comparing the Morris 8 HP, Standard 8 HP, and Vauxhall cars, with a view to post-war production of a small, economical car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 127\5\ scan0061 | |
| Date | 18th November 1940 | |
| 1093 To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}11/ET.18.11.40. The Morris 8 HP. car is now available for you to try. There is an astonishing amount of roar from the engine, and this is the worst fault of the car. It is better sprung than the 8 H.P. Standard, in spite of the fact that it has not got independent suspension, and also holds the road better. It is not fully monocoque and seems to lack frame rigidity. It is the most economical small car we have so far tried and we are investigating how this result is achieved. I have bought an 8 H.P. Standard myself, which we have analysed at Clan. If the pieces were properly put together, this could be made into a remarkably nice little car. On its weight, the consumption ought to be better than the Morris, but actually it is about 5 miles to the gallon worse. Summarising our impressions of the Vauxhall, the Morris and the Standard, the Vauxhall is the nicest car and, with a smooth engine, would make an excellent model for the Myth. We think that, after the war, a large number of cars similar to the Standard will be produced, since they will fulfil the demand for the minimum original capital outlay and the lowest running cost. If ever we have to consider keeping a big factory going apart from Rolls-Royce organisation, we think that the 8 HP. size should receive consideration. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||