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).
Selecting and preparing a suitable car for 'R.' for use in France, including potential paint modifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\5\ Scan158 | |
| Date | 20th November 1931 | |
| HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} CONFIDENTIAL DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/120.11.31. X8992. Copy to - SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} re. CAR FOR R.{Sir Henry Royce} IN FRANCE. R.{Sir Henry Royce} mentioned the night before last the matter of a car for his use in France this winter, and at first thought he would like to have the 20/25 special touring saloon - 20-G-4. - being constructed at Park Wards. We pointed out to him that there was some doubt about the car being ready, and also that early in the year we hoped that it might be decided to use it as a trials car with a view to creating a demand for this type of body. To this R.{Sir Henry Royce} agreed. We suggested that the most suitable car for him to have would be 27-EX, the continental touring saloon - P. 2. - as he likes a good looking car painted black and grey and wants one with a sunshine roof, and although the body should be sporting the rear seats need to be comfortable. Those on 27-EX. are very good. We would like your views on this and if you agree we suggest you arrange to get this car ready for him, doing any painting and repairs that may be necessary. If the black head is bad we suggest that it would be a vast improvement to the car to have it sprayed grey, the same colour as the panels, as this would enormously improve the appearance of the car. The moulding and pillars above the waist line would remain black, only the straight grained fabric being sprayed. It is this black head which produces the peculiar appearance which you often have spoken about in connection with this car. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||