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).
Letter discussing clutch performance and potential improvements on a 3.5-litre car, referencing a Mr. Dykes Senior.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\4\ scan0223 | |
| Date | 31th December 1937 | |
| K/W. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} 261(3) Pk/KC/DPB/31.12.37. Thanks for your Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}2/AP.30.12.37. I saw Mr. Dykes Senior yesterday when he came in for a short time as he had promised me earlier on to do, so that we could adjust the finger setting on his clutch. Actually the clutch now is quite good, but he mentioned to me that you were staying the week end with them and I took your name in vain, asking him to ask you just to try it and let me have your candid opinion. Personally I think he is expecting a lot from a car with a Hotchkiss drive and a flexible suspension such as we now possess. When I decided to fit this type of clutch to the 3½-litre, I had in mind the fact that for the past 10 or 11 years, Dykes Senior had been driving an old 3-litre with a cone clutch, the capabilities of which, as you no doubt are aware, leave much to be desired, and I did not think that he could possibly criticise the clutch fitted to the 3½-litre. I heard his judder complaint last night going out. It was very slight indeed and I doubt very much whether the fitting of Ferodo liners will improve upon it. However, I await your report with interest and provided you think the change over would be an improvement, it can be easily effected and the lead bronze clutch liners will soon find a home in another 3½-litre. All the best to you and yours for 1938. PK/KC. | ||