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).
Letter to a coachbuilder proposing a cost-sharing arrangement for a 10,000-mile body test.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 5\2\ 02-page047 | |
| Date | 24th June 1926 | |
| Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}17/BW/24626. 24th June, 1926. Captain Gay Pelham-Clinton, Messrs Hooper & Co, Ltd., 54, St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} James's Street, S.W.1. Dear Captain Pelham-Clinton, Re: 10,000 mile test. I confirm conversation with you on the telephone today to the following effect :- As you are aware, we run Cars for 10,000 mile tests from time to time. In the past, we have been in the habit of buying bodies for these but very frequently the bodies have been wanted in a great hurry with the result that we have been unable to obtain what we might term up-to-date bodies for this purpose. Our Works have very often severely criticised bodies which have been supplied and generally have formed the opinion that bodies, including items such as wings, screens, etc., prove very unsatisfactory and give trouble long before any part of the Chassis gives trouble. It has occurred to us, therefore, that it would be helpful to the Coachbuilders and to ourselves if this question of equipment of bodies for these 10,000 miles tests, was entered into from the point of view of the Coachbuilder seeking to obtain benefit from the tests and that on this account, it would not be unreasonable to ask Coachbuilders to supply bodies on a fifty-fifty basis - i.e. we will pay half the normal price of the body - the body at the end of the test will remain our property but we will undertake to give you the full information in regard to the result of the test and prompt information in regard to any troubles that may arise. Arrangements will also be made for you to inspect the body at the end of the test. - 1 - | ||