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).
From 'BJ' discussing the production timeline for a new 'Sports Model', including testing, demonstration, and delivery targets.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 65a\1\ scan0124 | |
| Date | 1st October 1927 | |
| SECRET. To Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from BJ. Copy to R.{Sir Henry Royce} Copy to BY Copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Sports Model. BJ17/E3/10/27 With reference to R1/M1/10/27, of course I do not yet know what alterations to our present Phantom chassis are suggested, nor how long it will take to (a) design, (b) make, (c) test for 10,000 miles, (d) obtain material, (e) manufacture in production for sale to the public. What interests me at present is: 1. When the altered chassis with sports body will leave for France for 10,000 miles, viz. the car as it will be sold to the public. 2. When 3 cars (at least) can be ready for demonstration on the Riviera and London. (January, I hope). 3. When we can deliver 50 to the public. You will doubtless be sending me a full and clear report on this in accordance with the request contained in my previous memo. It seems to me possible for instance that, although there may be quite a large number of alterations we wish to experiment with, test for 10,000 miles and eventually include (if successful) in the standard Phantom chassis, yet in actual fact (from our past many years of experience of progress in chassis modifications &c.) it may prove practically impossible for them to go through all the processes of design, experiment, test, (possibly including further corrections &c.), obtaining material, manufacture, Works and EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} tests, in much under 12 months. Therefore modifications which are being discussed now to include in the standard Phantom of the future may not actually be so till this time next year - viz. we should probably have delivered few (if any) of the new complete sports cars in the next financial year. As the chief object of introducing this sports model is to try to bridge over a difficult financial period and get 50 of these made and delivered in next year (viz. before 31st October 1928), delays may make it useless to go ahead. So soon as I have your report of exactly what is entailed from a Works and Manufacturing point of view, I will immediately arrange for a conference and full discussion with Mr. Royce if it seems desirable. Every day and hour is of importance now. BJ. | ||