The production of Rolls-Royce aero-engines during World War
I in various American factories provided the springboard for launching
Rolls-Royce of America in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1919, utilizing the
former manufacturing facilities of the Wire Wheel Company of America. By early
1920 the first chassis for the Silver Ghost arrived from Derby, England, but
within a few short years the Springfield Rolls had become almost completely
Americanized.
Over a period of ten years the Springfield factory struggled
to produce the equal of the British luxury car. It was a car that had to meet British
specifications in almost every respect. Steel used in the cars required special
mixes to meet Rolls-Royce standard. All plans, changes and components had to be
checked, tested and approved by headquarters at Derby, England. Except for the
initial cars, very few major components, other than the crankshaft, were
imported from England throughout Springfield Production.
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