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).
Manufacturing costs, pricing, and import duties for the Phantom I and II chassis in the American market.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\4\ Scan246 | |
| Date | 9th September 1930 | |
| -2- Fourth. Manufacturing cost in Springfield of P.I. chassis, segregated as between the different items shown and supported by material and direct labor itemized according to sections. A further breakdown of the sections into individual cost items on building the Phantom I chassis at Springfield are available according to Supervision Sheets in the Comptroller's Office, as you saw them when here. Fifth. An analysis based on assuming ultimate revised list price on the Phantom II car, which one day you may reach, a price for the chassis only of £ 1350. That is, the revised selling price of the Phantom II would have to bear the same proper relation to the revised selling price of the 20/25 HP chassis. This shows there is reason to believe the complete cost of the Phantom II chassis at Springfield, based on the import of units and parts, could be less than £ 1400. So that the Phantom II car could be offered to the American buying public as a complete car at retail at approximately £ 3000. Sixth. Statement of Solicitors, Masters & Levett, dated September 9th, 1930, (who are specialists on Customs and Revenue Law) wherein they analyse the practical workings of our customs, showing that on the basis of import of units the cost of production could be established for determining the value for assessing duty. Here is where the big gain or saving could come, as contrasted with the import of complete chassis where the duty is assessed on the value of your full list price less discount of 15%. The actual cash payment of duty on chassis which we import is in excess of £ 500. This payment of £ 500 benefits neither the chassis which the customer buys, nor you in Derby, nor we at Springfield. Seventh. A further letter dated September 9th, 1930, from Solicitors Masters & Levett, showing that under the Customs Law there are certain classifications, whereby items such as rough forgings, pressings, castings, etc. might be imported at a more advantageous rate of duty than when imported as chassis parts. | ||