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).
Summary of a conversation about a rationalising programme for standardising car components.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0127 | |
| Date | 22th February 1939 | |
| 1260 SECRET. Noted Da {Bernard Day - Chassis Design} /Ev. {Ivan Evernden - coachwork} from Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /Gry. {Shadwell Grylls} c. Rm {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} /AFM. {Anthony F. Martindale} Here is a summary of our conversation yesterday. RATIONALISING PROGRAMME. (1) Can we have absolutely the same pieces on the front of every car which includes:- (a) All cars bent front pans. (b) All cars same suspension and steering levers. The only variable allowed is a yoke piece to raise Wraith replacement car 1 1/2 - 2". These parts should also do for the projected small six cylinder Rolls-Royce where the wheels are brought back to take advantage of the short C.I. engine. (2) Two varieties of rear axle only. (1) 8 1/2" Ring gear with 40 m.m. half shafts and narrow track. (2) 10" Ring gear with 45 m.m. half shaft and wide track. (3) All cars to have 2 1/2 x 56" rear road springs, the rear axles to be adjusted to suit. We believe we can get a 56" rear spring to carry B.V. weights that will not weigh more than the existing 50" rear spring. (4) Two petrol tanks for the Continental type necessitating the Continental rear cross member and the 56" rear road springs. Tank capacities 17 galls. and 24 galls. Tanks to have electrically operated reserves. Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||