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).
Post-war production strategy, considering the 'Kite' model, a potential new cheaper car, and two alternatives for the Works.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\6\ Scan232 | |
| Date | 19th November 1919 | |
| -2- somewhat pessimistic outlook and that a more optimistic view might be taken, as the Kite will be a new R.R. production, and it is hoped in consequence that when it is first placed on the market there will be a good demand in spite of the price being about £300 higher than the price of the 40/50 H.P. before the War. Also we hope to increase our overseas market. So we may estimate a possible sale per annum of 500 40/50 H.P. and 700 Kites, which may be equivalent to say 900 40/50 H.P. The Works are capable of producing more than 2,000 40/50 H.P. per annum, so that such a programme would not keep them half filled. Therefore there seem to be two alternatives:- (a) to close half the Works with the probable resultant loss, and increased Establishment Charges per chassis (b) when the design of the Kite is sufficiently advanced, to prepare to manufacture another kind of car as a third line. The Sales Department are of opinion that there would be a market for a complete 4-seater car which could be sold at about £500 to £600. If it is found to be quite impossible for us to produce a car at that figure it is considered that the maximum selling price should not exceed £750 to £800. The number of cars at this price which could be sold would of course depend on power and performance. It is considered necessary for such a car to be reliable, efficient and cheap to run, but it is not considered necessary for it to be finished in such a superfine manner as is necessary to obtain such silence and sweetness as our 6-cylinder cars. It is thought that this may make it possible for the design to be such as might facilitate manufacture and production. It may be necessary to set aside a particular part of the Works for the production of such a car, and to a certain extent "watertight" it from our six-cylinder and aero work. The Conference were of unanimous opinion that Mr. Royce's designing and engineering skill, which had when the necessity arose, enabled him to (a) produce the best 4-cylinder car to win the Tourist Trophy in the face of the fierce competition of all other designers (b) produce the best six-cylinder car in the World (c) produce the best aero-engines, without having had any previous experience | ||