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).
Sourcing and pricing discussions for various car components including headlamps, batteries, heaters, and cable harnesses.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 168a\4\ img087 | |
| Date | 14th November 1938 | |
| -2- The items dealt with were :- (1) Headlamps. They agree that we have developed an exclusive headlamp and for which they have been afraid to put in hand any amount of tools. Therefore, a good deal of hand work still remains and consequently the price is high. They could handle the job better if we give them an order for 500 pairs to be delivered against our requirements, and this seems reasonable. The lamp is to be combed through to find what economies can be effected in its existing design. (2) Batteries. They would not consider allowing us to fit their standard Lucas battery on our cars, since they feel sure that within the period of the guarantee, they would be called upon to replace the majority of them. To make the battery non-standard and capable of lasting the period required, sends the price up to a figure similar to our present supplies. They were very emphatic about this. (3) Car Heater Resistance and Switch which we are able to buy for 3d. cheaper from another source was carefully side-tracked and discussions closed. It was suggested that the price was due to the fact that tool charges have not yet been liquidated, and Mr. Walker did promise to look into this item. (4) Cable Harness. They pointed out that they purchase the cable from a subsidiary Company and only harness it up in Birmingham. They cannot understand how it is that their quotations are shillings higher than other sources and are prepared to look into the matter. We were requested that when we receive the revised prices, they should remain absolutely confidential and we would not discuss them with other people. -Contd- | ||