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 the Cadillac Motor Co. factory, detailing facilities and engine specifications.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\December1930-February1931\ Scan097 | |
| Date | 5th January 1931 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Original HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2/MJ.5.1.31. x1729 CADILLAC MOTOR CO. When I was at Detroit Oy. made it very easy for me to see all round the Cadillac factory. Most of the buildings are new. I was impressed by the engineering block, this block contained the Expl. Dept. on the ground floor which consisted of machine fitting and test shops, and drawing offices and engineering offices on three floors above. They have ample room in the Drawing Offices. There was room to run a car or chassis between the rows of boards. They had elevators to every floor so that any chassis or car could be brought right alongside any draughtsman who wanted to see a model. Another very interesting feature was that next to the Drawing Office they had a model making shop. In this they had wood-workers and sheet metal workers who made models of parts and even mock up models of cars. Oy. is concentrating on improving the springing and riding, he is also working on frame jellying which they have on the Cadillac cars. There is no doubt Oy. will help Cadillac a lot. At the present time they are making the eight, a twelve, and the sixteen cylinder cars. It is probable that the eight will pass on to La{L. A. Archer} Salle, who already produce a cheap edition of the Cadillac, and the 12 cylinder will become the main product of the Cadillac with the 16 cylinder job as the expensive car. The 12 cylinder is a new car, a brief specification is Bore 3.125" Stroke 4" Cubic Capacity 368 cu.ins. Compression Ratio 5.37 HP. 135 at 3400 R.P.M. Gear Ratio 4.54 and 4.75 to 1. Angle between cyl. 45° I went for a long ride in one of these cars. It was very good indeed, the most objectionable feature was a roar from the engine, it appeared to be an induction roar. The car was free from any mechanical noises. I asked them the reason for making the angle 45° and the chief reason was because it enabled them to use the same tools as used on the 16 cylinder with the 45°. One could not appreciate the uneven firing but I believe they had found it necessary | ||