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).
Letter discussing bodywork options and specifications for an Experimental Landaulet Car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 41\4\ Scan130 | |
| Date | 17th May 1920 | |
| S/W HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c to EFC x 180 COPY. Hn{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders}2/DN/17.5.20. X.180. RE. Experimental Landaulet Car. As we believe you are aware, we find it is im(?)possible to arrange for Messrs. Fairey & Charles to accept orders from us and we shall not therefore be able to get them to build the Landaulet body you require. We have obtained a suitable drawing from Messrs. Hooper & Co. and now enclose same herewith, together with a detailed specification and estimate. You will notice the drawing which is numbered 858, shews a six-seater body mounted on a longer type chassis with steering column in the "B" position. If instead of extra seats facing forwards, you will accept the standard pattern, the occupants of which face each other, there will be a reduction of £25. in the price of the body. We think, however, it would be as well to accept the seats as shewn in Hooper's drawing as, of course, the longer type chassis is intended for customers who require this type of seat with the "B" column. Mr. Spinney has looked over the drawing and reports that same appears to be quite in order. He suggests, however, that you may wish to have window balances fitted, in view of the fact that we are at present endeavouring to encourage the use of these by Coachbuilders. As you are probably aware, the window balances are practically universal on American cars, on which they appear to give satisfaction, and as they are undoubtedly a refinement, we think their use should be encouraged. Should you decide to have the window balances there will be an extra charge of £10. per window. You will note on reference to the specification, that Hooper's say the near front side door is to be made a fixture - This is an error and should read of course " the offside front door is to be fixed". However, as we believe the body is to be fitted to a chassis with central levers, it will be advisable for both front doors to be made to open. As regards delivery, Hooper's will be able to give delivery in about five months from the date of order, providing the chassis is in their possession for the last 2 1/2 or 2 months of this period. Possible in view of the fact that the car will be used for experimental purposes, they will be able to put it through a little more quickly, but we do not think it would be wise to count on this. If you desire us to have the body put in hand, will you please let us have your instructions quickly. We would submit an alternative design from Barker's but unfortunately this firm are not in a position to offer delivery this year. Moreover, at present Barker's whilst the standard workmanship is generally considered to be about equal. attc. Est. Drg.Spec. [Handwritten note pointing to the last sentence]: prices are considerably higher than Hooper's | ||