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 on production policy for the 20 HP car, focusing on issues with the four-speed gearbox and front-wheel brakes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 57\1\ Scan076 | |
| Date | 1st January 1925 | |
| X5770 SECRET To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from CJ. Copy to Bz. Copy to R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Copy to WW. re U.S.A. CJ6/E23/1/25 My memorandum of the 16th, copy of which was sent to WW. will explain that the Sales policy is to press forward at the utmost speed the production of a 20 HP car having front wheel brakes. At the time it was written, it was believed that the four speed box, which is suitable for front wheel brakes, was more advanced than the three speed box. Since then, it appears that difficulties have arisen in connection with the four speed box. We are very anxious to avoid making any further 20 HP chassis fitted with gear boxes which are unsuitable for four wheel brakes. It will be seen that the 'W' Series may not appear until some number between 151 and 300 of the 'V' Series have been completed and, therefore, there is no particular urgency in connection with the 'W' Series. Apart from aero work, we should, if there is no objection, wish to see the whole of the WW staff engaged upon the production of designs at the earliest possible moment of a 20 HP chassis fitted with a gear box which can drive a front wheel brake and which has modifications of the chassis which will make it suitable for the fitting of front wheel brakes. I am sending a copy of this memorandum to R.{Sir Henry Royce} and, unless you hear from him to the contrary, please act on it. CJ. | ||