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).
Refusal to use Lucas magnetos due to their poor reputation and a comparison with other suppliers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\2\ Scan225 | |
| Date | 27th August 1927 | |
| To BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} EFC. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} ROY{Sir Henry Royce} Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} X8793 RL/M27.8.27. high price of MAGNETOS ETC. X 8793. X.8790. X.7791. I am sorry I cannot make ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} understand that it is not a question of quality or price, but the current bad reputation of the Lucas magneto, that prevents our fitting it on our engine. We can get good magnetos with good reputations from other sources which we should be sorry to see destroyed. When Lucas have gained a good name on other cars, and are considered by critics and people of experience to be good machines, we shall reconsider them. In the meantime it is a waste of time to refer to them. I have suggested that there are other makes for comparison - German Bosch, Swiss Scintilla, M.L. (used by Bentley's) and B.T.H., - so as to see that Watford's are not overcharging us. I am prepared to pay Watford's £1. more for their extra quality in the three items mentioned in my letter RL/M19.8.27., and will write to Mr. North to that effect. It will be remembered that Lucas caused Morris cars, and others such as Rover, much loss of reputation, owners finally changing to German Bosch, when their trouble ceased. Also Lucas caused us much trouble with lighting equipment being much less good than C.A.V., and forced us to make our own, and even at the moment their head lamps are not good, so much so that the blue sports car is fitted with Zeiss headlamps. If you think I am mistaken ask our director (Mr. A.W.Claremont) or Col. Fell, or E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} I will write to Mr. North at Watford if they do not quote a commercial price. We must give something for the Contd. | ||