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).
Policy memo discussing modifications and new parts required for the 40/50 chassis, focusing on front wheel brakes and engine options.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 72\4\ scan0052 | |
| Date | 19th October 1923 | |
| Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} 49720 BY10-P19.10.23. RE POLICY. 40/50 CHASSIS. From the discussions which have taken place in regard to the two proposals to modify the 40/50 chassis, certain serious issues obtrude themselves on ones notice persistently. I would therefore like to put the facts of the case as I see them, before you, so that if you also consider them equally serious, the matter can be brought to CJ's attention. (1) -- It was clearly understood when E.A.C.3. (i.e. Front wheel brakes only added to the standard chassis) was proposed, that we would announce to the Press our policy in regard to this matter and apparently indicate to customers that we would be prepared to add front wheel brakes to any cars which were sold from the making of the announcement onwards, as and when our front wheel brake policy was settled. (2) -- The introduction of E.A.C.2. (E.A.C.1. engine plus front wheel brakes added to 40/50 chassis) in place of E.A.C.3. brings serious complications into the proposal because of the extensive modifications required to produce E.A.C.2. from a standard chassis. To start with bodies produced suitably for the present standard chassis would be unsuitable for E.A.C.2. as it stands, since E.A.C.2. involves new Radiator, Bonnet and Dash and therefore will affect the scuttle and body of the car to which it was proposed to make the change. As I am able to define matters at the moment to produce E+A+C+2. from a standard car would mean the following:- a/- New Radiator, Bonnet and Dashboard. b/- New Clutch. c/- New engine Coupling. d/- New Steering entirely, which again affects the body. e/- New engine In addition to the foregoing there will be all the changes necessary to make the standard car into E+A+C.3 (3) The new parts required for producing E.A.C.3. from a standard chassis are;- 1. Complete new Front Axle. 2. New Axle Control (by radius rods) involving new | ||