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 American cars to a Napier, discussing driving pleasure, comfort, and central gear levers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 137\5\ scan0061 | |
| Date | 8th February 1921 | |
| X 3420 To PN.{Mr Northey} from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. CJ. BJ. EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} R1/G8.2.21. X.3720.- RE RUN ON NAPIER. The best and largest of the American cars gives me exactly the same impression as that given to you by the Napier, viz. rapid acceleration, but I have no pleasure in using them, probably for other reasons, such as uncomfortable driving seats and positions, and not enough room in front seats, unreliable brakes etc. Regarding the central change speed levers, I am not sure that English drivers are going to like these. They do not enable bodies to be made any narrower at the instrument board, and such practice is fatal to comfortt. You will remember also that I objected to four speeds with central change speed levers, but with three speed and gateless control lever, the room occupied and disadvantges are considerably less. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||