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).
Review of component costs for a rationalised programme, focusing on the Bentley V chassis and potential savings.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0155 | |
| Date | 18th April 1939 | |
| [Handwritten] Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Sg. {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. By. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. REC. c. Roy. {Sir Henry Royce} 12.00 (crossed out) M series BT {Capt. J. S. Burt - Engineer} V Cos (crossed out) MAT Secret. 248 209 LAB 140 108 Annoyance of outside suppliers (crossed out) Change of supplier. Liaison with works [Typed] Cost of Components to be used for Rationalised Programme. Although Bentley V. {VIENNA} is far less extravagant than any other chassis which has so far been produced in this factory, there is still a very large number of items which cost more than similar items of any successful car manufacture. At this stage, we consider that the following components are reasonable for cost, and in nearly every case, should be more satisfactory to the customer than the parts that they replace. 1. Frame. 2. Bumpers. 3. Steering Wheels. 4. Brakes (Until Servo can be eliminated.) 5. Front shock dampers. 6. Dashboard. 7. Front suspension -(except for the needle bearing at the bottom of the yoke.) 8. Front anti-roll rods. 9. Radiator. 10. Clutch. The remaining components may be divided into two groups :- (a) Economies in the course of development. (b) Components which are still too complicated. Economies in the course of development. 1. Road Wheels - The wire wheels cost approximately £2/10/- in excess of pressed steel wheels. 2. Hubs - By using the semi-floating rear axle, in conjunction with pressed steel wheels, approximately £6 can be saved. 3. Steering column and controls - Butt-welded ends for tubes and bakelite quadrant to FCD 875, | ||