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).
Notes on the chassis and bodywork policies for the 20 HP model, including arrangements with coachbuilders and weight limitations.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 180\M2\M2.2\ img006 | |
| Date | 12th April 1929 | |
| Notes on 20 HP Chassis. Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}18/E12.4.29 - 4 - Item 8. Mr. Royce mentions that since originally designed it has had very little change made to it, and that is one of the chief points, i.e. that, whilst the 40/50 XXXX power weight ratio has increased very considerably, the same remarks do not apply to the 20. Item 9. Mr. Royce says: "At first they attempted to fit low quality bodies". This is certainly not the case. The first thing we did when issuing the 20 HP was to make arrangements with Barkers and Hoopers for them to make bodies in quantities (with a limit of 9 cwt. in weight) so that we could fit the highest class of body to the 20 HP, and at the same time make the price a reasonable one that we thought the 20 HP might be able to bear, it being realised that the 20 HP would not stand Barker and Hooper full prices. Our alternative, therefore, was either to make these in quantities or purchase cheap bodies. With the aid of Barkers & Hoopers we adopted the former policy, ordering firm quantities of up to 25 bodies of one type that could be put in hand at the same time. We have had on order, with our commitments and Barkers and Hoopers, as many as 100 bodies at a time. This enabled us to reduce the price very considerably. In order to carry out this policy, we also supplied the bodies and accessories so that we made no profit on them when we made an ordinary Trade sale. Our catalogue was published with nothing in it but Barker and Hooper illustrations and prices. Whatever cheap bodies have been fitted are those which have been beyond our control, we have never recommended them - on the contrary as indicated above we have made strenuous efforts to maintain high class bodies as standard. We took the greatest trouble to force Coachbuilders to keep to the limit of 9 cwt. in weight for the entire coachwork; in fact, we made every Coachbuilder who bought a chassis sign an undertaking to the effect that he would not impose upon the chassis more than 9 cwt. This was within the bounds of possibility at that time because open-driving seat covered bodies were fashionable; but unfortunately from this point of view, the enclosed type of Limousine, Cabriolet and Landaulet became fashionable, and the public demand so increased that for some years now it has been | ||