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).
Request from Belgian agents to supply L to E type cars with 'A' and 'B' type steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\5\ 05-page31 | |
| Date | 10th September 1914 | |
| M.M. 608a (5m 10-T.U. set, 10-9-14) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 6806. Copy of Memo from Mr. Wormald to Mr. Johnson, Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}/Mer2/117/14, re "A" & "B" type Steering for L. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} type Cars. Messrs. Herman and Ambron, our Belgian Agents, wish me to particularly write you for the purpose of getting your sanction to the following suggestion of theirs, which is, that we allow them to be supplied with L. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} type cars with "A" and "B" steering. We are, of course, aware that you have quite recently confirmed that we should not supply cars as they suggest, but they claim that the special demands of their country demand it, as all their clients almost exclusively desire nothing but L. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} type cars because they appear to judge a car solely by its maximum speed, all other features appear to be of secondary importance. We pointed out that "A" and "B" type steering we considered particularly suitable for closed-in bodies - limousines &c., and that our L to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} type chassis were not designed to be driven with these heavy bodies at excessive speeds, as it was asking the chassis to do more than it was originally designed for. They agreed to this, but said that they were never asked for closed-in bodies. We then pointed out that "C" and "D" steering we thought eminently suitable for the open cars, being what we always supply in this country, but they said their clients invariably want eight seater bodies and that if these were supplied with steering columns having a long slope it makes the body far too long. They are therefore very keen indeed on getting your permission to be supplied with L. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} type cars having "A" and "B" type steering, with, if necessary, the restriction or assurance from them that they will not be fitted with closed-in bodies. Mer. | ||