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).
Trial and potential purchase of a Maybach car, focusing on issues with its clutches.
| Identifier | Morton\M9\ img089 | |
| Date | 23th February 1931 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} WoT. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Ds. c. to Ry. ORIGINAL γ MAYBACH CAR. Rn.{Mr Robinson} has gone to Berlin. The Motor Show is at present being held there and he will try the different types of Maybach cars and decide which one we should like to purchase. As you are aware, it was agreed that we should fit Maybach clutches to 14-EX. car which was running with the continuous helical third speed. We have got this car running and are by no means pleased with it. We sent it down to L.W. last week so that Ds. and Hdy.{William Hardy} could test it out. With care a silent change can be made but unless care is used it is possible to get the most fearful crashing. We have an idea that the Maybach clutches arranged with the neutral position and hand operated by lever may not prove a success. Rn.{Mr Robinson} when he is in Germany will discuss this matter with the Maybach Co. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X4531 X2200. | ||