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).
Staff conference memo discussing the potential introduction of a small car model as a third line.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\6\ Scan231 | |
| Date | 15th December 1920 | |
| RR 235 a (50 T) (S B. 929. 19-11-19) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2527. X.1775. To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from BJ. BJ1/DB{Donald Bastow - Suspensions}15.12.20. re SMALL CAR AS A THIRD LINE. At a Staff Conference held at Derby yesterday at which the follow- ing Officials were present:- Lord Herbert Scott Mr. Wormald Colonel Barrington Mr. de Loose Mr. Rodman Mr. Clarke Mr. Day Mr. Hanbury Colonel Harker Mr. Jenkins Mr. Bailey Mr. Northey Mr. Haldenby Mr. Swift Mr. Cowen Mr. Whitehead Mr. Platford Mr. Basil Johnson It was shown that whereas the year before the War, when the financial position of Great Britain and the World was at its best, we produced 750 cars which we were able to sell at approximately £1,500 each. During that year, however, we so nearly produced more than we could sell that the Sales Dept. had to give the Works erection instructions in regard to several chassis before they were sold. Of these 750 cars about 50 were sold to U.S.A and 100 to France. These countries are now practically closed markets on account of R.R. Incorporated in U.S.A. and the very high duty into France and the rate of exchange. This leaves a market for 600 cars at £1,500 each if the buying capacity of the World in future is as good as it was before the War. However, the approximate selling prices of R.R. cars will be £3,000 for 40/50 H.P. and £1,800 for the new Kite, which might again reduce the number we can sell, combined with the increas- ing depression in the World's markets. The Conference appreciated that the above might be considered a | ||