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).
Secret memo discussing the revised coachwork and chassis specifications for the Continental Car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\1\ Scan011 | |
| Date | 15th March 1930 | |
| TO T. FROM EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} SECRET. COPY TO HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} T. RE THE CONTINENTAL CAR. 26EX We send herewith N.Sch.3087 and 3088. shewing the revised coachwork for the Continental Car. This car was first proposed by R.{Sir Henry Royce} as a sporting car for his own use, and had a Close Coupled Allweather body as shewn on N.Sch.3000 and 3001. already issued to you. After consultation with Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}, Sa. and HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} it was agreed that the type of coachwork was out of date, and we have substituted this saloon with a sunshine roof. As agreed with Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Whr.{Mr Wheeler} yesterday it is proposed to build this car as an Expl. Car for "H's" use, but as most of the chassis is standard as much as possible should be taken from production. It is proposed to loan the car to WHR.{Mr Wheeler} for European Propaganda in August until the Autumn. We are putting the body in hand immediately at Barkers and we would like the chassis in time to complete the car by the middle of July next, if it is to be of use for the purpose intended. The chassis is standard except for the following:- (1) "F" Type Column and dash. -- already instructed. (2) "F" Type Pedals. A design for these will be sent to MA. in the course of a few days. (3) Stiffer springs, lowering the car as instructed on N.Sch.3001. and suggested by HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} (4) Short chassis Universal type Subframe also shewn on N.Sch.3001. (5) 20ins. rims and 7ins. tyres. (6) Any chassis frame improvements that have been agreed to for future standardisation. We do not wish to add to this list the wider track or the improved bonnet, radiator and dash, as neither of these are essential to this car and they would render it so much out of standard as to be obvious to the layman. In which case the car could not be used for propaganda, and it is largely on this condition that we are allowed to build it. At the moment these are all the changes in the chassis it is proposed to make but Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} may subsequently discuss with HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} & E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} certain engine improvements with a view to increasing the power. We would be glad if HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} could tell us how soon we can have a subframe. We shall be ready for it by May 2. Would BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} please send us a detail of the subframe sidemember to enable the coachbuilder to go ahead with the full size drawing? The external fittings of the chassis must have untarnishable finish. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Please supply free prints of each drawing. | ||