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).
Standardisation of the steering wheel to 18 inch diameter for all cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\4\ scan0045 | |
| Date | 16th March 1926 | |
| RR 755 (10H) (DB{Donald Bastow - Suspensions}130 12-9-24) MS 301225 48430 COMPLETED 12.4.26. STANDARDISATION of CHASSIS PARTS. Date 16.3.26 Description of Parts: STEERING WHEEL - 18" DIAMETER. Origin: To have one standard wheel. Experimental Test Report: At Sales Dept. request it was originally agreed to fit a 17" dia. wheel to 'B' steering cars. It is now agreed that 18" should be fitted to all cars. Road Test Report: 8-EX car run 14,000 miles fitted with 'B' steering 18" wheel. X No. 8430 Drawing No. Part List A Scrap and replace at all costs, including Chassis already delivered to customers. B Scrap and replace on Chassis in works. C Scrap present stock and replace on all Chassis not yet handed to test. D Use existing stock Alteration effective on future Chassis. Weight of Old Part. Cost of Old Part. £ 4. 12. 6d. Weight of New Part. Cost of New Part. £ 4. 14. 6d. Difference per Car. Difference per Car. £ 2. 0d. increase. Cost of Parts in Works which will be scrapped if commenced on: Series.......£....... Series.......£....... Series.......£....... Signature of Mr. De LOOZE that above is correct. My/Rns. 20.3.26. SIGNATURES DATE REMARKS MR. JOHNSON MR. B. JOHNSON 12.4.26 Agreed H MR. ROYCE 20.3.26. Agreed - very pleased - cannot think how we ever started on 17" when 18" was about - quite by accident I found it. FHR. MR. WORMALD 8.4.26 Agreed. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} MR. ROWLEDGE 16.3.26 Agreed. Rg.{Mr Rowledge} MR. DAY 17.3.26 Agreed. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} MR. BAILEY 18.3.26 Agreed. BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} MR. PLATFORD 17.3.26 Agreed. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} MR. ELLIOTT 18.3.26 Agreed. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} MR. NORTHEY MR. HIVES 9.4.26 Agreed. E.Hives. | ||