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).
Chassis GFT-102, its fitting with a Park Ward body for experimental use, and concerns over altered universal dashboard dimensions.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 55\1\ Scan080 | |
| Date | 26th October 1931 | |
| x5992. By Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} D/BP11/OG.26.10.31 Re: Chassis GFT-102. We despatched this chassis to Park Ward's, Willesden, on the 23rd inst. We find this chassis has been sent down with the object of having a Park Ward body mounted for experimental use, and that in due course the car will be returned, and on receipt at the Works the Experimental Dept. will transfer the body to a chassis which they are building: chassis GFT-102 will then, we understand, be made use of for production following on the 101st chassis in 'T' series. We have an enquiry from Sales Dept. today concerning the dimensions of the universal dashboard which we understand is fitted on this chassis. The coachbuilders have pointed out that the dashboard is 3/8" higher at the shoulder, 9/16" higher at the centre and 1/8" narrower. Both Park Ward's and our London Office are very much concerned in regard to these altered dimensions because they have a number of stock bodies on order and they are wondering how soon we shall be delivering chassis with these altered dimensions and whether it will necessitate altering stock bodies which are in course of manufacture. At present we have still 50 more chassis to deliver before the 101st in 'T' series - at which point we understand this universal dashboard is introduced. We shall be glad to have By's comments in regard to this matter because as we have now sent a chassis to London with this universal dash it will be necessary to state clearly what alterations are coming forward and when because they will have to suitably adjust the stocks of stock bodies so as not to build anything which will be unsuitable for chassis after the 101st in 'T' series. D/BP | ||