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).
Commercial viability of introducing a new 20 HP longer frame chassis alongside the existing model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 104\3\ scan0073 | |
| Date | 23th November 1928 | |
| CONFIDENTIAL. HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 15380 To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from BJ. Copy to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Copy to BX. 20 HP. Longer Frame. Referring to your R2/M20.11.28, we considered this matter carefully at Derby yesterday and feel that it would be impracticable to try to sell two 20 HP chassis at the same time which were so entirely different, and the fact that the chassis with 3" longer frame would be so much more modern and improved would entirely stop the sale of the present standard chassis. The difference between the two would presumably be as follows in addition to the longer frame:- 1. Turbulent head. 2. Carburettor on steering side of engine. 3. Modified exhaust system. 4. New frame with built up "X" member. 5. Modified rear petrol tank. 6. Modified rear wheel carrier. 7. Modified propeller shaft. 8. Central lubrication. In addition to this we should also have to bear in mind that it would be impossible for us to place the 20 HP with central lubrication on the market unless we were at the same time selling the 40/50 with central lubrication. I am sorry that from time to time there are commercial reasons why we cannot always fall in with your suggestions as we should so much like to do, but I am confident you will realise that we do our best so far as we are able to see the pros and cons. At the present time the position in regard to standard 20 HP chassis is that, if orders are received at the rate of 8 per week, the last complete car would be delivered to the customer the second week in January 1930, or if orders are received at the rate of 7 per week the last car of this series would be delivered by the middle of March 1930. To maintain continuity of output it will be necessary to authorise the ordering of new material by the middle of February 1929. | ||