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).
Page 2 of a letter from O. D. Cars Limited outlining a design philosophy for a durable, low-maintenance car and detailing the successful testing of a prototype chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 23\2\ Scan026 | |
| Date | 21th November 1921 guessed | |
| 2. 20 years. We have observed that the average person, whether he be owner driver or chauffeur, will only give his car reasonable attention while it is comparatively new, say during the first six months, or in exceptional cases a year. To overcome this inherent defect in human nature we are of opinion that a motor car to be ideal should require a minimum of attention and that this should not be difficult or irksome. Having kept this ideal before us, and at the same time not forgetting the very important points of durability, comfort of passengers, accessibility for repair and cheapness of production. The one chassis which we completed has now covered over ten thousand miles with just two involuntary stops. This we believe to be a record as far as first experimental chassis is concerned, and it is all the more remarkable as the greater part of the distance was covered while the car was in the hands of amateurs and also driven at high speeds over very bad roads. In bringing the matter to your notice we are confident you will give it the careful consideration which is characteristic of your firm, and that however you may decide you will treat as confidential what we have put before you. Yours faithfully, O.{Mr Oldham} D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} CARS LIMITED. J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} A.{Mr Adams} McKee. | ||