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).
Confidential memo requesting two 40/50 HP chassis and bodies to carry out experimental tests on front wheel brakes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 73\2\ scan0025 | |
| Date | 28th September 1923 | |
| X9940 BJ. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to C. c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} CONFIDENTIAL. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}4/LC28.9.23. 40/50 CHASSIS. X4428 FRONT WHEEL BRAKES. X3729 X3408 In order to carry out experimental tests with front wheel brakes on existing 40/50 HP. chassis, we shall require 2 40/50 HP. Long type chassis. For these chassis we shall also require suitable bodies. We anticipate that one car will be chiefly used by Mr. Royce - the other car will be used at the Works. The only long type 40/50 HP. experimental car we possess is a special car fitted with a 3-speed gear box. We cannot make use of this car to try out the brakes on the road - we shall use this chassis for break-down tests on the dynamo-meter. We propose that one of the chassis allotted should be suitable for a standard open-touring body and the other should be suitable for a covered body with an interior-drive. From experience we have found a Saloon body the most satisfactory covered body for our work. One reason is - the Saloon body is a fairly rigid structure and will stand changing from one chassis to another. We understood from C. when in London the other day, that there were standard bodies partly made. We should like to have the 2 chassis allotted immediate ly so that they could be sent right away to the Coachbuilders and for the cars to be ready for us in 3 weeks. We require them completely trimmed and upholstered - the paint-work to be finished off in grey. contd:- | ||