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).
Issues with noisy coachwork, the challenges of standardizing body production, and specific examples like the Hooper Limousine and Maythorn Saloon.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 41\3\ Scan233 | |
| Date | 11th December 1922 | |
| To E.J. From L.H.S.{Lord Herbert Scott - Chair} Copies to Ms. G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} Sp.{Mr Spinney} Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} NOISY BODIES ------------ I have read Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG9.12.22 with interest. The Hooper Limousine in question was, as far as my recollection goes, an extremely quiet body to ride in. The only complaint with regard to the body, I believe, were due to the driver being in a cramped up position in front - but otherwise I think that the body was considered by everyone as a distinct success. This was the first enclosed body ever constructed for a 20 H.P. The Maythorn Saloon was knocked up in about three weeks time, and had a particularly heavy roof. This body has been considered to be entirely free from booming. The points for criticism about this body apply to the front wind screen and the inside lay out, and front seats. As you are aware, the procedure in ordering the standard bodies has been to give the coachbuilder an order for 20 similar bodies, which has been confirmed after the drawings have been carefully scrutinised and passed. It has, however, been found very difficult after the first body has been delivered to rectify any mistakes in the actual coachwork design without seriously interfering with the manufacture of these bodies. Owing to the financial conditions under which these bodies are ordered, and for other reasons, which I need not enter into, I doubt very much whether we could carry out the same conditions under which the chassis parts are standardized. Again, the chassis is manufactured in one factory - whereas the bodies are manufactured in several factories, which adds to the difficulties of standardization. I note that Works will shortly be requiring bodies for the "Heron" and "Stork" chassis, and every endeavour will be made by the Coachbuilding Dept., to synchronise with Derby's ideas as far as possible. L.H.S.{Lord Herbert Scott - Chair} | ||