Rootes Wartime Contracts

[Rootes75]

Just putting this out there to see if anyone can help.

I have copies of Rootes Contracts that show overall numbers produced etc but I was wondering if anyone has anything that indicates a contract starting from a chassis number?

For example Instruction manuals that I have state that contracts start from a specific chassis number.

 

[Richard Farrant]

I have seen these documents as well. They were entered up as Contracts were received but Rootes would have had no knowledge at the time of chassis numbers as sometimes there was some delay before they were started. Quantities were often changed as well. Parts books with Chassis numbers were often issued after production was completed.

[Rootes75]

Thank you Richard.

I also contacted the Rootes Archive centre to see if they have any information.

I know its a pretty impossible task but I want to find out any more about a particular vehicle, i.e. contract number and hopefully which service?

[Richard Farrant]

I sent you the information regarding the vehicle contracts you were asking about several weeks ago via email as I recall. I think from memory they were for the Air Ministry (RAF).

Regards

Richard

[Rootes75]

Yes thats right Richard, thank you for that. I have found some others bits and pieces since but not much.

[Rootes75]

Through my research available of Rootes wartime vehicle production it states that between 1939 and August 1943 there were just over 6500 Commer Q2's delivered.

I have a Q2 that has a chassis number just after 5700 and is registered as 1942, from the above this would lead me to think that its correct.

I ideally want to find out which service it was delivered too. I am still researching.

[Rootes75]

Just looking through a Commer Instruction Book I have for the 3 tonner it actually lists all 1000 chassis and engine numbers under Contract Number 294/V/3604(Con'8).

So I presume if I can find a similar Instruction Manual for a 30cwt it may list in the same style.

[mcspool]

I have looked into some production numbers listed here:

https://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/production_rootes

read my comments here:

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?p=262185#post262185

 

 

 

[Rootes75]

So do you think the number of Q2's built between 39 and August 43 of 6559 is correct?

[mcspool]

23 hours ago, Rootes75 said:

So do you think the number of Q2's built between 39 and August 43 of 6559 is correct?

For the Q2 30-cwt I do not see a listing on https://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/production_rootes, only the "Commer 15-cwt Load Carrier" for the Air Ministry and the Commer “Q.4” General Service Wagon for the Ministry of Supply are listed.

I looked into the "Commer 15-cwt Load Carrier" specifically and calculated a total of 1,755 delivered. Bill Kreiner confirmed that number is likely correct for the period December 1942 through August 1944. Unfortunately we don't know the 1939-1942 total.

[mcspool]

Commer Q2 30-cwt with census number L3922025

From contract C4663 with WD No. L-3921890 - L-3922028, all for Commer Q2 30cwt 4x2 Truck GS, a small batch of 139 trucks only.

 

 

[Rootes75]

It does note Q2 chassis and cab, 5111 of them on one of the pages?