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).
Progress report on the Rationalised Car Programme, detailing prototype testing and model specifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 148\2\ scan0033 | |
| Date | 11th November 1938 | |
| SECRET. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} c. RHG. c. HPS.{Horace Percy Smith - Experimental Factory Mgr} c. Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/R.S.11.38. DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS & THE RATIONALISED CAR PROGRAMME. The position of the rationalised car programme is as follows:- (1) STANDARDISATION TESTS ON PROTOTYPE. S - E-V has now completed 15,000 miles in France. As a result of this test we expect to release tools for at least 80% of B.III material. A photographic weight analysis is avilable of the proposed production specification. The B.50's and the Silver Wraith at present being built in the Experimental Department differ from S.M.V. only in the following particulars:- B.50. - as B.III except (1) 6" longer frame. (2) 18 Gal. tank. (3) 56" Rear Springs. (4) Higher Radiator. Silver Wraith. - As B.50 except for (1) 3" longer frame. (2) Hydraulic front brakes. (3) Vee front cross member. (4) R.R. radiator. We have been able to modify the Wraith Replacement frame made from the B.V dies until it is considerably stiffer than the existing Wraith frame for less weight, so that this no longer presents a problem. The only other feature of those enumerated that presents difficulties is the hydraulic brake operation. (2) COST OF PROTOTYPES. We appreciate that the success of these projects depends as much on cost as on the production of a desirable automobile. No final labour figures appear to be available for the rationalised chassis range, but the cost | ||