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).
Comparison of the quality and cost of American and English electrical components and spares.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 49\5\ Scan062 | |
| Date | 1st February 1921 | |
| Contd. -2- HS {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 3/LGS.2.21. have developed various forms of insulation materials which are very much better than those in use in England. From the samples I saw and samples I have brought back with me, we have got to admit this is so. The inspection for work-manship and efficiency and the guarantee which the American Manufacturers are prepared to give, is much better than we obtain from any English suppliers. Cost. Below are the costs given to me by Springfield of the price they pay for electrical units by the time they reach Springfield. in considering these prices, it should also be borne in mind that spares for these parts bear the same relation, which means that a customer must be charged three times as much for Watford spares (when they are pro-curable) as he would be for U.S.A. Bosch spares. Springfield point out that they are having more trouble with Watford magnetos and Lucas Dynamos than any other part of the car. I was shown, whilst I was there, several parts which had failed on Watford magnetos. | | Cost laid down at Springfield. | Cost of U.S.A. equivalent. | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Starter Motor less Eapeicy Epicyclic Gear. | $216.68 | 40 dollars estim-ated. This price is 100% higher than standard to allow for extra quality. | | Lucas Generator, Switch. and Junc. Box. | $116.31 | 40 dollars estim-ated for Generator only. This price is 100% higher than standard to allow for extra quality. | Contd. | ||