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).
Secret internal memo detailing the 'Rationalised Programme' for simplifying wheelbases and car bodies.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 117\2\ scan0231 | |
| Date | 23th February 1940 | |
| SECRET 1021 To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}12/JH.23.2.40. re Rationalised Porgramme. The simplification of the wheelbases of the Rationalised Programme we note as on item on the Design Conference Agenda for March 4th. next. We wish to produce a new picture of the complete range of cars for that date and before doing so we would welcome your comments on our proposals set out on the attached picture. The proposals for the Senior range are as follows :- (1) Bentley "Clipper" on B.V. and Ripple become obsolete cars and are replaced by Bentley 6 and Ripplet. (2) All cars have bent front pans and front ends of a length exactly right for the engine used, giving front end lengths. (3) There are two dash to back axle dimensions i.e. 98.5 ins. and 89.5 ins. The Silver Dawn and Cresta dimensions of 95.5 in. we do not believe to be justified as up till now we have always produced the Limousine and the 4 door saloon on one wheelbase. (4) There are 4 standard bodies used as follows :- (a) B.V. Saloon. used on Bentley 6 - Ripplet. Comet and Rippletto, as well as the absolute B.V. Clipper and Ripple. (b) Limousine. - used on Silver Phantom and Silver Wraith. (c) Four Door Saloon. Silver Phantom, Silver Wraith and Cresta. (d) Carrosserie Profilee. Used on "Corniche 60" and "Corniche 80". The above proposals result in the following frames, five frames. Cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} | ||