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).
Unauthorised modifications to the Bensport car and their impact on the July delivery schedule.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 3\4\ 04-page204 | |
| Date | 16th February 1933 | |
| S.P. from Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Copy to Mr. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X4553 Wor{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager}4/T16.2.33. ---------------- RE BENSPORT CAR. Referring to Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}6/MJ8.2.33 and Sg{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD}19/E10.2.33. I heartily share the optimism of Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} in his memo, and indeed, have supported him always in his desire not to interfere with promises made, and would struggle with him that modifications to the Bensport should not interfere in any way with the completion of the 15 cars by July, but you will remember we undertook to supply these cars because we accepted the identical car that we all tried recently, and it was understood at the conference that no modifications should take place. I however, readily accepted the new crankcase, and agreed with Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} that we could get through with it by a special urge and keep our promises. On Tuesday last however, speaking to the Foreman pattern-maker of the progress he was making with the patterns for the new crankcase, he accidentally mentioned that he had to make new patterns for a cylinder block for the Bensport. I had not been advised of this further modification, so I got in touch with E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} pointing out this new modification and said that there may be other modifications that I was not aware of, and asked him to consider the matter and give a list. I attach copy of this list showing a number of modifications, which is very disturbing. You will note that there are a number of patterns to make and when these patterns etc. are made machining has to be done, experimental work has to take place, a 10,000 miles test to be run of them, which will all take considerable time. I therefore, at this juncture, cannot subscribe to the belief that no delay of the July programme will not take place. The best that I can say at this moment is that I will take a special interest in all these modifications and urge them on. Later I shall be able to give you a considered opinion as to what delay, if any, will take place. In order to get still further information and progress on Bensport, at the earliest opportunity I intend to have a conference with Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} and all concerned with the Bensport position. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} | ||