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).
Secret internal memorandum discussing future chassis and engine development for the Wraith and 20/25 models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\6\ 06-page041 | |
| Date | 17th October 1935 | |
| SECRET. To B. from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Copy to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} L.C.& C.Gx. re Wraith Chassis. Referring to E.1/EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer}14.10.35 we agree with the first paragraph, not only because the public will naturally expect the 20/25 to have independent suspension because the big chassis has it but because of the obvious improvement in the riding of the car which is obtained thereby. I have been discussing the question of 'Wraith' with C. and Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} and we look at it this way: Whether we have a straight 8 or a V.8 engine, it is quite obvious that we cannot expect the car to be ready under two years and more probably three. We hardly dare contemplate having to sell the present chassis, even with the big bore engine, for this length of time. For your serious consideration prior to my next visit to Derby after the Show, I should like you to think over something on the lines of the following: The SpectreCodename for Phantom III frame and independent suspension to be scaled down to suitable size for the 20/25 and to be fitted to start with with the bored out 20/25 engine of to-day but room to be left in doing this to fit either the straight 8 or the V.8, whichever we eventually decide on as being the best all-round proposition. It seems to me (based on former experience) that, if we try to get out a completely new car, it is going to take us a long time as indicated above, whereas, if we were to work on the above lines, we might hope to have a new car with the exception of the engine within a reasonable time. One of our biggest concerns in regard to a new 20/25 of any sort is the cost because the margin of profit on the 20/25 of to-day is already very small and I gather from your letter that the V.8 would be more expensive than the straight 8. I think that the best way will be to leave this matter open for further discussion when I am next at Derby. The main items on the 20/25 of to-day that want | ||