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 memo detailing the progress and issues with various coachbuilders constructing a Sports Body.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 71\1\ scan0356 | |
| Date | 18th November 1927 | |
| to [REDACTED] from EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} copy to [REDACTED] HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} SECRET. RE E.A.C. 14. I visited Messrs Jarvis & Son on Monday last and found that they had prepared a fairly complete drawing of the Sports Body. Most of the detail seemed quite satisfactory so I have instructed them to go ahead until the body is completely framed up, which will be towards the end of next week, when the ironing instructions will be given. On Tuesday I visited Messrs Hooper & Co. who have prepared a very complete drawing of the body. So much detail had been worked out, that it was possible to give them instructions to go ahead and complete the work, except for the hood and screens. I am sorry to say that Messrs Barker & CO. had made only a full size outline of the body, and that very badly drawn and contained little nonstructional detail. They have a lot of new ground to dig up on this body. This is illustrated by the other coachbuilder's drawings. Barkers propose to grapple with these difficulties as the job goes along. This will cause delay, and a poor design and construction may result. I have only agreed to their making up the base of the body and the standing pillars. Before I can agree to their proposals concerning the covering of the rear seats and hood, I must see a drawing setting forth the proposals in detail, if we are to adhere to the original agreement of joint responsibility. All the coachbuilders have experienced difficulty in obtaining to sheet steel for the side members of the body so I have asked Derby to supply this to you at Lillie Hall, and we understand that you will arrange to distribute it. You will have made note of the various parts of the bodies which we have asked Derby to supply, and no doubt that you will be able to arrange that there be some reduction in the price of the bodies accordingly. As soon as the work is in progress, I hope to be able to give you an idea as to which body is likely to be ready first, and would suggest that, since we are only to have one chassis ready in time, we should let that coachbuilder have it. I have little doubt that Barkers would get away more quickly than the others if we were to agree that they might have a free hand in design, construction and weight. If we hold them to their original agreement, then I fear they will not win the race. We have asked all of the builders to submit designs of windscreens for the bodies base on suggestions which we have made to them. We have taken this action because we feel that it is on this item that there is usually much unnecessary weight and little strength. Enclosed are copies of letters which I have sent to the builders of the various bodies for your information. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||