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).
Confidential memo outlining the Post War Car Programme, including a graph of sales projections and necessary design limitations.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 153\3\ scan0234 | |
| Date | 12th January 1944 | |
| CONFIDENTIAL To Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} from Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}1/JH.12.1.44. Post War Car Programme. We have been asked to produce a brochure describing the Post War Car Programme as it is visualised up to date. I have given the matter fairly extensive consideration, since I returned from America, and would like to state the conclusions which I have reached, in order that you may correct them where they appear to you to be in error. I would plot the graph of possible sales of cars against era somewhat as follows - [A hand-drawn graph shows 'POSSIBLE SALES' on the Y-axis. The X-axis starts at 'PRE WAR', dips at point 'A' at '1939', continues through the 'WAR' period to a low point 'B' at 'END OF WAR'. From B, the graph rises steeply to a peak at 'E', labelled 'PRODUCTION COMMENCES', then dips to point 'C' and rises again. The period between the peak and point C is labelled '2 TO 3 YEARS'.] It is the apparent intention of the Company to make the most of the period B - C, during which the unnatural shortage of private cars will be neutralised. This period may vary in length depending on the amount of government control on motoring and the manufacture of cars, I have suggested a relatively short period of 2 to 3 yrs. and to reap the benefit desired it is essential that "E" when our production begins should approach "B" as closely as possible. In order to achieve this end, the following limitations are necessary. (a) The models proposed should consist of sufficiently well tried components in order that the amount of development work entailed shall be reduced to the absolute minimum. Any short comings in novelty of design compared with our American competitions will not effect materially the sales in this period due to the | ||