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).
Experiment of producing an all-aluminium body for the Phantom III.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 92\1\ scan0331 | |
| Date | 7th April 1937 | |
| F.D. 304. BE. c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Ba. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} 34EA & bus used GRY{Shadwell Grylls} E/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}1/HP.7.4.37. re Phantom III All Aluminium Body. In connection with the experiment of producing an all aluminium body for Phantom III, it may be remembered that a great deal of investigation was carried out some little time ago with reference to Bentley bodies in conjunction with Dr.von Schulthess of L'Industrie de l'aluminium of Switzerland, and Messrs, Park Ward. "E" was extremely keen about this experiment and it may be remembered that in October 1935 "EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}" went to Switzerland accompanied by Mr Ward, and inspected various factories there engaged in producing all aluminium coachwork for cars, lorries, postal buses, etc. During this investigation a considerable amount of useful information was collected, and in addition we have drawings and specifications for two alternative bodies for the Bentley chassis, which were prepared by Dr.von. Schulthess at Neuhausen. As Mr Ridlington is starting out to build a body for Phantom III it occurs to us that the information we have on the subject might be helpful to him if it were considered advisable to pass on. Alternatively it might be considered sufficient to let Mr Ridlington know that the Neuhausen people have had a great deal of experience of this work, and suggest that he should get into touch with them. noted Please file. [Signature] E/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey} | ||