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).
Discussion about future car model development, sales strategy, and project prioritization.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 30\2\ Scan060 | |
| Date | 31th August 1932 guessed | |
| -4- Sales do not wish us to find ourselves in the position that the 2nd car will kill our first car (40/50) and our 3rd car kill the 2nd, and, consequently, all our business being concentrated on the 3rd car. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and C. felt that some of the parts could be taken out of J.III for a new 20/25 and instanced frame, front axle control and coachwork. There may be various other items, but these can be dealt with later when the matter is more clear. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and C. are not at all in favour of a J.III and 22£ tax. This matter was discussed and then Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} asked Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} for his views. The latter thought C's note excellent by taking features out of J.III and drawing up a specification on these lines, and was of the opinion that it was agreed a car of this description could be produced quickly, but whatever is decided upon we must keep in our minds the present beautiful 20/25. This new car is to be called J.2. It was finally arranged that Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} should write a letter to R.{Sir Henry Royce} embodying Sales' views and requirements. The suggested new 20/25 H.P. should be made of parts taken from J.III with modified bore. If R.{Sir Henry Royce} approves, agreed make another J.III and a bump chassis. Item 2 on Agenda. Future of big car development. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} referred to correspondence in January last between R.{Sir Henry Royce} and himself (when R.{Sir Henry Royce} was at Le CanadelHenry Royce's French residence) re 12-cylinder car engine - double six with the bore & stroke of the old 20, giving a tax of about £44. During a discussion Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} stated that we must not lose the work we have already spent time upon, and they were agreed that the chassis programme that must be worked to at present is:- (1) Peregrine. (2) J.2. and Bensport. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} added that he thought all agreed Peregrine is well within our grasp and that 75% of the work had been done on the "Bensport" by W.W. and Designs at Derby. In consequence, it will soon be in a position similar to the "Peregrine" for Exp. Dept. Room will then be left for the designing of a big car, but what we must have now is "Peregrine" and then "J.II" and "Bensport" together. | ||