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).
Comparing Lucas and Watford magnetos regarding production methods, cost, design, and brand reputation.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 40\2\ Scan118 | |
| Date | 8th June 1926 | |
| X8793 BY9/H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} 8.6.26. MAGNETOS. X8795 X8796 Referring to EFC1/T.7.6.26. I think the lower price of the Lucas machine is, as pointed out by R, due to the fact that its design represents a less costly type of production than the Watford, but I do not agree that the Lucas methods as compared with the Watford methods are any more up to date. I have been to the Watford Works more than once, and was particularly pleased with their methods of handling work, the type of fixtures they were using, and especially the adaptability they displayed in handling aluminium die castings, at which they were particularly expert and produced at remarkably low figures. One other point of interest is that the Watford R.O.1. magneto which we are fitting to the 20 HP. chassis has the pole shoes cast integral with the carcase or body of the machine, and Cobalt magnets are also used. My point in mentioning this is to make it clear that the Watford Company are well aware of this method of production, and its possibilities. With reference to the question of the reputation of the Lucas Magneto, we have to deal with a reputation which already exists, and not with a reputation which they may have in two or three years' time. It is essential that the Lucas Company should rehabilitate themselves in the eyes of the public by gaining the ground they have already lost on the basis of pure merit rather than they should attempt to regain a reputation which is undoubtedly damaged, by coupling it with ours. I agree with R.{Sir Henry Royce} that it would be disastrous at this stage for us, however good the Lucas magneto was, to fit same to our chassis, as public opinion at the moment is unquestionably badly prejudiced by the Lucas magneto question, due to the large amount of actual trouble which users of the magneto have met with on Morris Cars. Contd. | ||