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).
Chassis development programme, including engine sizes, wheelbase, and radiator options for future models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0042 | |
| Date | 18th November 1938 | |
| 1260 Secret. [Handwritten in red ink]: B III S/W....EW c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}16/C18.11.38 Re CHASSIS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. Referring to Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/R8.11.38, this matter will be discussed at the Meeting on Tuesday, but I thought it would be simpler if I sent a memo. about it in advance so that the position can be explained more clearly when we meet. The programme and the chart talk about several things that we have never heard of previously. There appear to be 3 sizes of engine on the chart, i.e. 4.2; 4.8; and 5.6. With regard to the cars, it would be helpful if, additional to talking about wheelbase you gave body space, because wheelbase means very little when front wheels are pushed about, but body space is all-important. For instance, we are very confused to see that Wraith replacement wheelbase on page 2 is given as 11'. 1" whereas the Wraith of today is 11'. 4". To avoid going into a lot of details, I will just set out what we thought to be the position:- (1) B-5. Sports Bentley to replace the Bentley of today. This car to have approximately 3" more body length than the latter car. (2) B-50. i e the general 'Utility' car with body space not less than the Humber space. I notice that this has been coupled with an R-R but I seem to remember when suggesting this car should have an R-R radiator some months ago, Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} wrote a very strong and at the same time sensible memo. pointing out why he thought this would be a mistake. We do not see how we can sell the same chassis with 2 different radiators - it has got to be the one or the other. With regard to Rolls-Royce cars, I understood that we should carry on with the Wraith of today until it can be superseded by a Wraith using a lot of the [Handwritten in left margin]: Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Your copy [Handwritten in bottom left margin]: WHY ? | ||