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).
Proposed repositioning of the central control levers closer to the driver.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 51\2\ Scan104 | |
| Date | 1st November 1922 | |
| To B.J. from R. {Sir Henry Royce} c. to CJ. Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} c. to PN. {Mr Northey} BY. {R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} EP. {G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c. to Cx. {Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} C. X4338 R1/MO.11.22. RE. POSITION OF CENTRAL LEVERS X.4252. X.3923. X.4338. I think you need fear little harm from the small distance we propose to move the levers nearer to the driver, because we are keeping them in the same order as at present namely, with the change speed lever next to the driver; and also this lever, when in the top gear will be in a rear pos- ition, that is, close to the seat, and away from the driver as at present. This exact order has been difficult to obtain. We were tempted to do many things that were definitely wrong. You will remember that Wales suggested that the brake lever should be next to the driver, the change speed lever remaining where it is at present. You will now realise that most likely this arrangement would be a failure because of the off position of the brake lever being far forward, and would almost certainly foul the leg when the foot is rest- ing clear of the clutch pedal. There is little doubt that some benefit will be found in the modifications we are proposing, and as the amount is only small without upsetting the present ideal order of the units we have every confidence that the arrangement will be found satisfactory. We will however get the Works to rig up a scheme temporarily, to prove our conclusions, but you may rest assured we shall not do anything stupid. contd:- | ||