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).
The defects and unsatisfactory finish of the first production B.V. body, comparing it to Rover standards.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 117\3\ scan0052 | |
| Date | 18th May 1940 | |
| To Mr. Ward from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to EG. c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. to Lp.{Mr Lappin} c. to Mr. Green. c. to Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} FIRST PRODUCTION B.V. BODY. Attached is a copy of a report by Hewitt, most of whose experience has been obtained in connection with the Rover Co. In considering the remarks made, it should be appreciated by all concerned that this body has been made from panels produced from tools which were not correct. Also that Park Wards cannot afford the painting facilities that exist at Rover's, and in consequence, cannot obtain the same finish. On the other hand, the only basis of comparison in which the customer is interested is that of price, and the B.V body in production is expected to cost at least twice as much as the Rover body. The object of this very detailed analysis of the defects observed on B.22.AW. is to ensure that all the faults are rectified on the first of the second six all-steel bodies to be constructed from the corrected tools. The most unsatisfactory feature of B.22.AW. is the appearance of the Rexine and leather with which it is trimmed. Neither the trimming or the material approached the standard of the Rover body. We cannot understand why this material was used, as we have been able to obtain something appreciably better without a great deal of difficulty. As it stands, few people sit in the car without commenting adversely on the appearance of its interior, and in fairness to Rexine, the car should be retrimmed to the Rover standard. RM.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||