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).
Secret memo discussing a compromise from a board meeting regarding the launch of the 'SS' and new 20 HP models, production plans, and a 10,000-mile test.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 11\2\ 02-page003 | |
| Date | 10th December 1928 | |
| Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X7941 4 To Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} FROM BJ. SECRET. BJ2/E10.12.28 Copy to Sg {Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} -C. Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} We were all very pleased at the compromise that was come to at the Board Meeting, and sincerely hope that it will be successful in enabling us to launch the “SS {S. Smith} ” and the new 20 HP at Olympia. I am afraid it has left you with a very large bag of troubles, but I am sure that with your usual capability and the loyalty of those at the Works you will be able to deal with these. There are one or two points about which I should be glad if you would give me information so that I may know exactly what is happening down at Derby. Firstly, When you have had an opportunity of studying the matter, will you please let me know how you intend to - (a). deal with each batch of material, both 40/50 HP and 20 HP, (b). how you intend to keep the Works busy owing to the temporary hold-up of the 100 Phantoms and the 150 20 HP's. I suppose there are certain parts which are common to both the Phantom and “SS {S. Smith} ”, and the present standard 20 HP and the new 20 HP which you will be able to continue to make. In regard to the 10,000 miles' test, please let me have a programme showing the dates of the commencement and finish, indicating how long it will take to do each 1,000 miles; also how many days you are allowing at the end for Sales officials to test the two chassis for slow running in traffic and the other points which customers consider so important. Sales are anxious to help in every way possible and, as we realise there is very little time at our disposal, Sales propose to take advantage of Mr.Royce's excellent suggestion, namely, that they shall send out a representative from time to time to be present during the 10,000 miles' test, but these officials will in no way interfere with the mileage to be run, that is to say, they will merely sit as passengers in the car whilst the Test Department are running it under their own supervision and in their own way. | ||