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).
Comparing the driving experience of American cars to the Napier, focusing on comfort and gear controls.
| Identifier | Morton\M4.1\ img014 | |
| Date | 10th February 1921 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X.3720 ORIGINAL. D RE RUN ON "NAPIER" RECEIVED 10 FEB 1921 E.E.C. FEB 10 h9 RECEIVED. The best and largest of the American cars give me exactly the same impression as that given to you by the Napier, viz. rapid acceleration, but I have no pleasure in using them, probably for other reasons, such as uncomfortable driving seats and position, and not enough room in front seats, unreliable brakes etc. Regarding the central change speed levers, I am not sure that English drivers are going to like these. They do not enable bodies to be made any narrower at the instrument board, and such practice is fatal to comfort. You will also remember that I objected to four speeds with central change speed levers, but with three speed and gateless control lever the room occupied and disadvantages are considerably less.* R.{Sir Henry Royce} R Brog. 3 & 4 Speeds | ||