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).
Arguing against a proposal to reduce the number of steering column positions, specifically defending the popular 'A' column.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 80\1\ scan0078 | |
| Date | 9th September 1919 | |
| R.R. 235A (500'T) (S.D. 408. 26-4-17.) Bm. 2/156/13. C O P Y S/W. C13/H1 9. 9. 19. Re Steering Columns. BY2/P.25. 8. 19 - re proposal to introduce only two positions. I have been away and consequently this matter was left over until my return. This is rather a big matter and I am afraid one that we cannot dispose of without consulting the coachbuilders. The "A" column and the "C" column are very popular in this country, and we think you can take it as certain that in any case we could not drop these columns as quickly as during the first 250 chassis. We have already applied for erection instructions for over 500 chassis and of course, to all these people we give the option of the four steering columns. It is necessary for us to apply well ahead for these erection instructions in order to keep the works well supplied, and Mr. Wormald has impressed upon me that it is even more necessary now, as he wants to have as many erection instructions in the Works as possible so that he may estimate as correctly as possible what various parts to make, having no stock to work upon. The proposition to drop the "A" column came from France and we can quite understand that they can do without the "A" column. French Chauffeurs will not use the "A" column, and insist upon a more comfortable seat. In England, however, the "A" is very popular, and is used for all closed cars, such as limousines, and landaulets; it means a big departure for the coachbuilders to alter all their designs. Furthermore, we think the effect of dropping the "A" column will be to increase the demand for the long chassis. As you know, we can only just get sufficient room for a seven-seater with the "A" column, without undue overhang, and any increase in the front seat will undoubtedly cause either overhang or a demand for the longer chassis, and since we are willing to make the longer chassis, there is no doubt that this will be asked for. So we think the two questions are bound up, and in deciding to drop the "A" column for all purposes, you must take this fact into consideration and decide whether you prefer to make the "A" column, or to make more long chassis. Of course you will realise that Great Britain is still by far our biggest market and the "A" steering column is greatly used. We find the first 314 erection instructions that | ||