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).
S.3 Wing Rippling issue, potential liability costs, and proposing a styling strip as a solution.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 26\1\ Scan021 | |
| Date | 31th December 1965 | |
| To: LS c: Gry{Shadwell Grylls} GF JPB JS{Mr Johnson's Secretary} - Conduit St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} SB{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister}/JA 31.12.65 S.3 WING RIPPLING There are some 4,000 odd cars which are a liability. Invoking the one year Warranty does not work. Some cars have had two goes at rectification; others have had new wings. The theoretical moral liability amounts to nearly £500,000. Our calculations, confirmed by JHC, show that we cannot escape about £100,000 liability. This note is simply to say that I propose to go ahead with my styling strip. I have already overcome initial resistance on ethical grounds. To be practical I am confident that :- 1) Any Owner who complains of rippled wings will accept the styling strip. The explanation has been worked out and is entirely reasonable. 2) It is my belief (shared by ten independent observers, including James Young and several Retailers) that the car looks better. 3) It will become a standard improvement or modification which many Owners will want. We already have requests from Retailers. | ||