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 memorandum discussing the 'W' Series body subframe, chassis modifications, and coachbuilder scheduling.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 71\1\ scan0107 | |
| Date | 3rd January 1925 | |
| S E C R E T. 48830 DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}3/M3.1.25. To HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. to CJ. C. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} A.{Mr Adams} C. 2 'W' SERIES - BODY SUBFRAME. X.8380 X.8830 We thank you for your Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG1.1.25. and note that you hope to have the underframe at the Works by Jan. 5th. in which case we would expect the body to be completed in from 6 to 8 weeks. If we are unable to have a chassis it will be impossible to make the wings and valances. To supply a dummy main frame and take the body away in a lorry would only double the present suspicion which is only too rife in every quarter and we still strongly favour the suggestion that a 40/50 chassis be fitted with a wider dash and modified gearbox. This chassis could be sent to the coachbuilders enabling the wings etc. to be properly fitted and finished, and the whole car completely painted. Since we have 3 or more bodies to buy for 'W' series chassis this special chassis would be extremely useful. A chassis with no engine somewhat confirms the rumour of a new engine, but a chassis with the old engine would dispel any doubt. C. suggests that he lends 9-PK to you. This is now in Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}'s hands, and it would be arranged for Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} to do the work on the bonnet and dashboard for Hm.{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs} if you could supply the gearbox and levers. It will be realised that this is the first body to be built on an underframe for the 40/50 chassis and in consequence we may encounter difficulties. Moreover, we do not wish to rush the coachbuilders on this pioneer. We are therefore opposed to any excessive pressure being put upon the coachbuilders, and suggest that if you want to get a 'W' series chassis on the road immediately, that you should use any old body that is available for the time being. The coachbuilders have been ready and prepared to go ahead with this work, giving it precedence over everything else, for the last 3 weeks or more, but the underframe did not arrive when promised. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||