<P> During 1906 Royce had been developing an improved six - cylinder model with more power than the Rolls - Royce 30 hp . Initially designated the 40 / 50 hp, this was Rolls - Royce's first all - new model . In March 1908 Claude Johnson, Commercial Managing Director and sometimes described as the hyphen in Rolls - Royce, succeeded in persuading Royce and the other directors that Rolls - Royce should concentrate exclusively on the new model, and all the earlier models were duly discontinued . </P> <P> The new 40 / 50 was responsible for Rolls - Royce's early reputation with over 6,000 built . Its chassis was used as a basis for the first British armoured car used in both world wars . </P> <P> Aero - engine manufacture began in 1914 because the government requested it . Rolls - Royce's Eagle, the first example was made in 1915, was the first engine to make a non-stop trans - Atlantic crossing by aeroplane when in June 1919 two Eagles powered the converted Vickers Vimy bomber on the transatlantic flight of Alcock and Brown . </P> <P> In 1921 Rolls - Royce opened a new factory in Springfield, Massachusetts in the United States (to help meet demand) where a further 1,701 "Springfield Ghosts" were built . This factory operated for 10 years, closing in 1931 . It was located at the former American Wire Wheel factory on Hendee Street, with the administration offices at 54 Waltham Ave . Springfield was the earlier location for the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, the location where the first American gasoline - powered vehicle was built . Their first chassis was completed in 1921 . Bodies were supplied by Rolls - Royce Custom Coachwork and by Brewster & Co. in Long Island City, New York . </P>

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