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).
Body specifications for the 'Japan 3' chassis and the use of experimental cars.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\October1930-February1931\ Scan328 | |
| Date | 11th February 1931 | |
| SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} FROM DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} C. to WGR. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} SECRET. ORIGINAL BODIES FOR JAPAN 3. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EVH/M11.2.31. Y5830, With reference to SG{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}8/E3231., and HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/KT7231., we are definitely of the opinion that the first Japan 3. chassis should be tested with bodies similar to those that will be sold. If the sub-frame is not to be standardised it should not be used on experimental cars, and also the bodies we build should not be representative of a freak type such as 16-G-4, and 12-G-4., neither should they be made lighter than the bodies which the customer will fit. We believe that we have deceived ourselves to a large extent by testing such cars as 18-EX. when our sales are chiefly represented by cars such as 20-EX. and 22-EX. It is absolutely impossible at the moment to take any action with the first experimental bodies for this chassis until it is definitely decided what the specification of the chassis is to be. So far while a general specification has been agreed to the information is not such that we are able to produce a coachwork print from which bodies could be built. The steering positions are not definitely settled and the proposed bonnet, radiator, and dash, have not been viewed and approved by either Sales or R.{Sir Henry Royce} As soon as we are able to make such a chassis print we shall do so, and we then suggest that without any interference on our part at all Sales should be asked to supply the Exp. Dept. in Derby with the bodies they require. It would be best for these to be taken direct from stock by modifying existing 20/25 bodies of the type we are now selling. DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||