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 letter from RR America to Derby inquiring about the progress of the new 'SS' chassis development programme and production timeline.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\3\ Scan009 | |
| Date | 11th January 1929 | |
| RR. America Inc., Springfield, Mass., U.S.A. 11th. Jan. 1929. Mr.E.W.Hives, Rolls-Royce Ltd., Derby, England. Dear Mr. Hives, S E C R E T. When Mr. Johnson was here in Mar. last we discussed the programme laid down in your letter of Mar. 8th. 1928 ref. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/LG8.3.28. addressed to B.J. For ready reference I quote from that letter the following :- "Our own view is that we ought to have the first SS.{S. Smith} chassis completed in July 1928. There will be the usual modifications and alterations, and we estimate it will be Dec. 1928 before we shall have a complete car ready to commence the first 10,000 miles test. In introducing an entirely new car like this one, we consider the 10,000 miles test would be entirely inadequate. It is possible to complete the 10,000 miles in 3 weeks. We maintain it is necessary to have 6 cars running about for 6 months before we take the risk of not ordering any more material for the present Phantom. This means that in June 1929 we may be in a position to order material for the new car. We estimate that it would take at least 6 months to produce them so that deliveries to customers would commence early in 1930". Mr. Fuller mentioned on his return that the first SS.{S. Smith} chassis was about completed and would be turned over to Mr. Royce xx to take xxxx with him on his holidays in France. In considering our plans here I would like to inquire whether the above programme has been adhered to in respect of :- (a) Having six cars running about for six months. That is to say, five other experimental cars in addition to the one which Mr. Royce has and whether you consider at this time that (b) In June 1929 we may be in a position to order materials for the new car. is likely to be adhered to. contd :- | ||