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).
Advantages of a new 3-speed gearbox and reconsidering steering and gear change configurations for different markets.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 75\1\ scan0148 | |
| Date | 30th March 1921 | |
| H.R. 288A (100 T) (S.H 159. 11-8-20) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2500 V3426 OY. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} At a Conference we had before I left Springfield, it was agreed there by all the Chiefs that R.R. Springfield could not sell cars with centre-change speed and brake and right-hand steering. We have now completed one of the 3-speed gear boxes with the central change. There are several advantages with it, which I think you should carefully consider. 1. The fact of the layshaft being underneath means that the height of oil in the box is much lower; the box is more oil retaining and also it is possible to get the gears in when the oil is frozen. This, I consider, would be a great advantage in U.S.A. 2. There is a proper mechanical driven speedometer drive - with the gears it is possible to alter the ratio. 3. The gear box has the possibility of being quieter than the present 4-speed box. 4. This box also allows the orthodox starter being used. On the car we are fitting up, there are several complications but we hope to be able to reduce them before the tests are finally completed. I recommend that you reconsider the decision that on no account could you sell cars with the right-hand steering and central change speed. In England, the majority of American cars, which are imported, have right-hand steering and central change speed brake, therefore, we have had a lot of experience with this arrangement, it is surprising how easily one drops into the way of changing gear with the left hand. What I should like to know from you is, do you still consider a 3-speed box, central change and left-hand steering over:- | ||