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).
Non-standard parts of a Continental P.III, its performance, and recommendations for its potential sale to a Mr. Fairey.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 92\6\ scan0248 | |
| Date | 12th May 1938 | |
| 300b. W/S. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hm{Capt. W. Hallam - Head Repairs}8/R.12.5.38. 39-EX. Replying to Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}4/KW.11.5.38. Attached is a specification of the non-standard parts that represent the Continental P.III at present dismantled in the Experimental Shop. The car has already been on the road fitted with these parts. We should not expect any of them to cause serious trouble, though, of course, none has completed a standardisation test. If the frame is to be used, then the steering goes with it, a standard steering will not fit this frame. The same remark applies to the brakes and the axle. The car has only run 4,627 miles. Its weight is about 48 cwts complete against 54 cwts. of a standard P.III with a similar type of body. It has the latest bits and pieces including the overdrive box. The engine gives about 20 more H.P. than standard. The car should have 15% better acceleration than the standard P.III and be slightly faster. We recommend that the Repair Dept. should re-build. We think that if Mr. Fairey buys this car, it should be impressed upon him that we have given him a piece of experimental apparatus, and that he should be prepared to accept the car as such. If pieces have not completed their normal standardisation test, it is impossible to guarantee that they will be satisfactory. Nevertheless, Mr. Fairey already has experienced the judgment of the Experiment Dept. in fitting non-standard pieces to his last car. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||