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).
Visit to an experimental shop reviewing 1935 cars, transmissions, bodywork, and a Rover car clutch operation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\2\ scan0225 | |
| Date | 14th June 1934 | |
| -2- Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Ra.12/KW.14.6.34. Captain Wilkes took us all round their Experimental shop and showed us their 1935 cars, one of which was fitted with a body which had several novel features. In particular, the dashboard was made without any flat surfaces at all, of a sheet steel pressing. This they claim has helped them with silence in the driving seats. It certainly seemed very non-resonant. We discussed the Spontan gear which was recently demonstrated to us on a Rover car, and also the Hayes transmission which they showed us on another Rover car. They say Austin has some demonstration cars running about fitted with the latter. We also discussed producing bodies in small quantities. Captain Wilkes, who has tried various Bentleys owned by his friends, criticised the coachwork. Maybe E.V. could learn something from them. They are rather proud of their coachwork. We have asked Captain Wilkes and the Chief Engineer to come to Derby in about a fortnight's time, to discuss the Hayes transmission and the Spontan gear. They treated us very courteously and we should like to reciprocate. CLUTCH OPERATION. ROVER CAR. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||