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).
Investigation into interior car heaters from Clayton Dewandre Co. of Lincoln for potential use in private motor cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 137\1\ scan0106 | |
| Date | 4th April 1932 | |
| S/W. Handwritten: Clayton Dewandre- Heaters appear with Good Coach- in Production at Lincoln, UK. INTERIOR CAR HEATERS. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/lid{A. J. Lidsey}5/MA6-2-32. We found Lucas not at all keen to take any active part in developing an interior heater on the lines of that which you have fitted to 20-EX: in fact we gathered, from the way they wrote, they were of the opinion there was no market and that it was not worth their while taking any steps in the matter. So we wrote to the Associated Equipment Co. because we had noticed they were fitting a water heater on some of the Green Line coaches operated by the London General Omnibus Co. The A.E.C. was good enough to tell us that the heaters in Green Line coaches are made by the Clayton Dewandre Co. of Titanic Works, Lincoln. These people sent us a booklet, which we enclose, and which gives particulars of the heaters to be found in Green Line coaches. The capacity of the heater described in this booklet is greater than would be needed in a car, and further application to the Clayton Dewandre Co. elicited the information that they develop a smaller type of heater known as the "S.2" for private motor cars. Drawing No. ST-612 of this smaller heater is enclosed. We are told that such heaters have been fitted to several cars used by the Clayton Dewandre Co., and we suggest you should get into touch with them and try to arrange for a car so fitted to be brought to the Works for your inspection or, alternatively, arrange for someone to call on the Clayton Dewandre Co. see a sample; have it demonstrated and discuss any points of interest. Then, if you consider the heater possesses possibilities, we should like you to purchase one and try it out on a car. C. has already agreed that such a purchase may be made, if you consider it worth while. We shall be interested to hear in due course what further steps you take in the matter, and would add that if you are able to report favourably on the heater, it is LHS{Lord Herbert Scott}'s intention to ask for one to be fitted in his car No. 112-GN. Handwritten: Joe Lucas to go back to Rip van Winkle sleep. Hn.{F. C. Honeyman - Retail orders} ENCLOSURES | ||