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).
Cost-cutting measures for the Phantom III experimental program and the disposal of several test vehicles.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 91\1\ scan0525 | |
| Date | 20th October 1937 | |
| Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD.{Frank Dodd - Bodies} c. All Testers. 300 also 1060 Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}8/R.20.10.37. P.III CARS. The present sales of P.III cars have settled down to about two per week. By the end of this year we shall have spent £25,000 on P.III Experimental work. This works out at the somewhat absurd figure of £250 per car sold to development expenses alone. It is, therefore, clear that we have got to cut down considerably the money spent on P.III. With this object in view we are at once getting rid of 36-EX and 33-EX. Will you please arrange for all experimental parts in which we are interested to be removed from these cars, and for them to be handed over to the Repair Dept., together with the specifications, as soon as possible. When we get 32-EX on the road again, we shall probably dispose of 37-EX. In future when a P.III is put into the Shop, we must ensure we get the maximum amount of value for the money spent: in other words, when an engine is pulled down for any reason, we must ensure when it is re-erected it will stay up for some time. We have got to dispose of a Bentley. Upon your recommendation we have selected 1.B.IV. Will you please have all experimental parts removed from this car, and hand it over to Repair Dept., together with the specification. We are also disposing of the Packard car. Before this is sold we want to replace the main lower lever inlox bushes. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||