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).
Proposal for post-war model names to conceal chassis and engine specifications from the public.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 153\3\ scan0231 | |
| Date | 21th December 1943 | |
| 1298 Amended Copy. Chassis To: Ely. from Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 9/h.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} 21.12.43. c. to W.A.S. c. to Psn. c. to W.G. Owing to the possibility of various alternative engine sizes being made for the range of chassis we have at present under consideration, I am proposing to refer to each model in future by a name rather than a wheelbase and engine size. This also prevents too much publicity being given to the actual engine dimensions of a car we propose to market after the war. The names I propose to use, unless anyone takes particular exception to them, are as follows: 11' 1" wheelbase 8-cyl. Rolls-Royce "SILVER PHANTOM". 11' 1" wheelbase 6-cyl. Rolls-Royce "SILVER WRAITH". 9' 2" wheelbase 4-cyl. Rolls-Royce. "SILVER RIPPLE". ※ 10' 10" wheelbase 8-cyl. Bentley. "COMET" 10' 4" wheelbase 6-cyl. Bentley. "CRESTA". 10' 4" wheelbase with the Paulin Body "CORNICHE". In the case of the Rolls-Royce range, the word "Silver" distinguishes them from the pre-war models Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Amendment. 18.2.44. ※ COMET. Since writing the above, the 10' 10" wheelbase has become 11' 1" by agreement. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||