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).
Engine range for rationalised cars, considering post-war taxation and market strategy.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 144\4\ scan0054 | |
| Date | 28th March 1940 | |
| 1260 Copy in Rules Cust & Policy To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Ho. C. to EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} C. to IM. C. to IM/SK. ENGINES FOR RATIONALISED CARS. The attached list shows the range of engines for which designs and detail drawings have now been completed. The engines consist basically of an eight, a six and a four with different cylinder bore dimensions. In other words only three patterns are necessary to make the whole range experimentally the various bore sizes being catered for with core box modifications. Obviously all the pistons are different, but as these are made by an outside firm, their production does not interfere with our own experimental work. The variety numerated has been brought about by the uncertainty as to the basis of taxation after the war. There is no doubt whatever that the 3.5 bore 6, the 3.75 and 3.5 bore 6 and the 3.5 bore 4 engines make by far the most desirable motor cars, are no more expensive to produce than the smaller sizes and will not have an appreciably worse petrol and oil consumption (the 4 1/4 litre Bentley uses no more fuel than the 3 1/2 litre). On the other hand, it is going to be difficult to sell any real quantities of 3 1/2 litre Ripplets if the post war tax on these cars is going to be as at present, £35, whilst 3.8 litre 8 cyl. cars at £42. tax may as is if the numbers sold that we shall loose a very profitable market. Therefore to ensure the post war success of the rationalised range, we believe that we should have all sizes of power plant available. We believe that it is necessary to make all sizes experimentally, because we find that there is a considerable amount of development work to do to get the best result from the induction system and cylinder head required to suit each displacement. | ||