Royale Chassis Number

[Franko]

Would someone please let me know if there a serial number on the Royale FF chassis and where it would be located? I think the one I have is from the mid 70's and cannot ID it.
Thanks

[eastfizzrp16]

There are two types of numbers associated with a Royale FF chassis. Most of the frames were made by Arch Motors and there will be an Arch Motors frame number stamped on one or more parts of the frame. On my 1972 RP16, there is an Arch Motors stamp on the driver's left rear suspension mounting tab, "AM 72 20." The stamping is somewhat faint, but recognizable once the paint is removed. I used paint stripper to remove the paint to avoid damaging the number. The number "20" is also stamped on each piece of the frame that is removable; rear roll bar brace, rear cross-member, and engine bay "V" shaped stiffener.

According to Alan Cornock, the last owner of Royale in the UK and current owner of Royale rights in the UK, the Arch Motors frame number may not be the same as the official Royale chassis number. The Royale chassis number will be stamped on a small rectangular aluminum plate attached to the chassis with 4 rivets, likely on the instrument panel bulkhead. From my own experiences in corresponding with other Royale FF owners, this plate is often missing or damaged (look for 4 small holes in a rectangular pattern). To the best of my knowledge, there is no official correlated listing of Arch Motors frame numbers and Royale chassis numbers as this was not indicated on build sheets, although I know of least one Royale FF that does have the same AM frame and Royale chassis numbers.

There may also be an SCCA roll bar stamp. You might be able to find records for the SCCA region that issued it to see if they have any information. My attempts were not successful as records no longer existed for my stamp. Chris Shoemaker, Royaleracing,LLC, may also be of some help.

That is about all I know and I have been researching and trying to find out my Royale chassis number for a little over 6 months. Based on my research, I believe my chassis is RP16-20. If I could find out who had RP16-21, or RP16-19, and what the associated AM frame numbers were, it might help me out. My search continues. Good luck with yours.

Best regards,

Lowell

[Franko]

Lowell,
What great information! If I should find out further info,I'll let you know. However,you have a huge jump into researching Royale FFs. Thank you!
Franko

[TATaylor]

Guys,
I went thru the same exercise with my RP-3A. No ID plate attached anywhere. AM 43 stamped on the left rear chassis. Actually e-mailed Alan Cornock (believe he since passed away?) and he confirmed that there was no cross reference of Arch Motors # to Royale #. There is a Royale history book out there that lists the SN's assigned for each model/year but not much help if you don't have the ID plate. There is also a Royale registry on-line with some info. The strange thing with mine is that I have all the SCCA logbooks from day one but the SN in them does not match up with anything in the book. I would also like to get a plate just to finish off the project. Spoke to Chris Shoemaker and he will make a new plate if you have the correct info. He also has some SN info but was not able to confirm mine.

Here's a pic of my final project. Took 5 years but was worth it. Now racing vintage with VRG.

Let me know if you find anything!

Tom Taylor

[andyrp26]

I to have the same challenge .My RP2 has the AM number in the same place but when i asked Alan to tell me the chassis number allocated to it he would not.I am sure he knows the number from the paperwork he has, it's probably to prevent the cloning of cars.
Not sure about him passing on since his website appears to be pretty current.
http://www.racingcarsforsale.co.uk/frameset-about.htm
Here in England the chassis plates were not of any importance in the early days,it has only become important as values have gone up.Circuit racing here has for most of my life not required log books,although the HSCC have been using a registration system to race in their various historic classes for many years.
The Royale registry is not particularly accurate since purchasing my car three years ago i told them i was the new owner, it is still in Dan's name. I am impressed that you have spoken to Christopher at Royale Racing, i have tried the phone number many times without success.
Still as mine is still a work in progress and only moves forward when finances allow,getting there slowly.If anybody is interested in the Legrand wheels,(steel wheels only used over here in FF) ,make me an offer.

[TATaylor]

Andy,
Nice looking car. The bodywork seems exactly like the 3A. If you have any pics with the bodywork removed I wold be interested inseeingthem to compare to what I have. I have wondered if mine might be a 2 upgraded to a 3A. What is your AM frame number? It might help me figure it out.

You are probably correct about Alan Cornock stillbeing around and kicking. I was at the Thompson, CT race last week and someone told me he had passed away recently. Probably incorrect info and I should have checked it out myself before posting.

I spoke to Chris Shoemakera few years ago when I first got the car. Don't know what is going on with his Royale business at this point but I have not had to contact hime since. Luckly I have not needed any parts!! I know he is sponsoring a Royale challange tpye of thing thru the Vintage Racers Groug (VRG) club so you might want to try contacting him from that angle.

Let me know if you get any more leads on figuring out the Royale SN thing. It's the only piece missing from my project and I would like to get it.

Tom Taylor
taylorff51@outlook.com