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).
Production of standard and experimental vehicle bodies, focusing on the relationship with supplier Park Ward.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 117\1\ scan0231 | |
| Date | 24th August 1938 | |
| - 2 - (a). PRODUCTION BODIES - Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Any structural failure, representing lack of durability would be the body producer's responsibility to put right. Whilst Derby would prefer to work with Park Wards, there is a strong doubt in our minds as to whether they are capable of producing the right body in quantities at the right price, as the departure from their present methods is a very serious one, and therefore their present experience cannot be mentally extended to cover what they propose to undertake, as in the past they have always fallen down on price. One can only be convinced of their ability to implicate their suggestion by actual trial. (b). DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF BODIES FOR EXPERIMENTAL CHASSIS. The above commitment is purely and entirely a Derby responsibility. The bodies will be specified completely from Derby, outline designs will be provided. Any discussions which arise in regard to the possibility of producing such designs must be between Messrs. Park Ward and Derby, and no instructions shall be issued to Park Wards except from Derby. In making proposals for an experimental body, where modifications to the structure are introduced, the Design Department would in doing so give full consideration to the possibility of producing such structural modifications in quantities economically, and would be prepared to modify their proposals to ensure this end being achieved. A friendly consideration would be given to any Sales proposals, which were submitted, but the decisions as to whether they are incorporated or not in the experimental body must remain with Derby. In spite of the fact that Park Wards will be busy on bodywork, sufficient provision must be made to produce bodies for experimental requirements to agreed delivery dates, failing this it will be necessary to have facilities elsewhere. In order to work within the budget requirements of the Experimental Department, it will be necessary in future to earmark at least one chassis for use with a prototype body. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} | ||