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).
Arguing against the use of wooden subframes in favour of steel for cars intended for the American market.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\U\2January1930-September1930\ Scan224 | |
| Date | 22th July 1930 | |
| [strikethrough]O/A.{Mr Adams}[/strikethrough] ) FROM DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} SRN. ) C. to - [strikethrough]SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}[/strikethrough] C. to - HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ✔ re. SUBFRAMES FOR RRAI [STAMP: RECEIVED] [STAMP: ORIGINAL] x7772 x7380 In view of recent experience we are still more sorry to find that RRAI. are contemplating the use of a wooden bottom sill to replace our body subframe. (1) We have been told by yourselves and by other people that wood is a bad material for use in America due to climatic conditions. Our coachbuilders have experienced the trouble with exported bodies. We have been told by RRAI. and Barker's that all wood, such as pillars, etc, has to be totally encased in aluminium or steel panelling. Is it not strange that it should be contemplated to use wood for the subframe instead of steel? (2) Continental coachbuilders aredoing all that they can to find a means of eliminating wood from their coachwork, for similar reasons. (3) Our experience with continental and Colonial propaganda cars has been that wood must be avoided if at all possible. I suggest that the matter is worthy of again being brought before the notice of those in New York who are urging the use of a wooden subframe in the place of our metal one. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||