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).
Potential model names from the deer tribe and the design and development progress for the J.3 and 18HP chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 104\3\ scan0141 | |
| Date | 1st August 1931 | |
| X.5386 SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} RT/M4.8.31. C. to WOR.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} C. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} & re. J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. X.5770. X.5380. The full and latest size Japan has been called No.3 all along but we need some better name before we produce. I suggest one of the deer tribe. There are many gracefull, swift, and silent ones in S. Africa, such as 'Elland' 'Gazelle' 'Springbok', big ones and little ones, unless we can extend the 'Ghost' idea beyond Phantom. Bird names should be reserved for aero work. I quite agree that we must make a model as soon as possible. I had written to that effect when yours arrived. We have as usual been very slow because we have continued to depart more and more from our present practice, and the wanderings into new lands take much time, but we shall go on improving for ever unless we really finish off the drawing the present knowledge. In the 18HP. we are proposing to put the frame over the rear springs but I think we had better keep J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. as at present - i.e. the springs outside the frame, and get the back seats as low as we can with a good cushion. It will upset the body programme less ( and we should see how satisfactory the scheme for the 18HP. proved). It will save much time. EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} has already drawn to my instructions a deeper frame for J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. which is of safe and good engineering design, and will save the cost of the tierods. I believe it will make quite a low chassis much on the lines of P. 2. in proportions and appearance. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} and I had arranged to go ahead with J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} 3. with all speed and strength but we have had many halts for other work. There are still many drawings for the engine to go to Derby. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||