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).
Effectiveness of Lucas vs. French Marchel headlamps and a new French law.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 166\4\ img078 | |
| Date | 2nd October 1930 | |
| X5800 Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} from Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. WHR.{Mr Wheeler} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/EV{Ivan Evernden - coachwork}3/M2.10.30. X.1357 X.5800 X.7800. RE - HEADLAMPS. Re your Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}2/KW30.9.30, and my remark that we considered the Lucas P.100 lamps ineffective, and the centre lamp not appreciated, we are enclosing herewith what information we have. The best French lamp, and by far the most popular on cheap and costly cars is the Marchel. The Standard Code is on all medium priced cars and the de luxe on the more expensive cars. In fact bifocal bulbs are used. The main and dimmed lighting is very good, the latter being very anti-dazzle. With regard to the new French law which will be fully in force by Jan.1. 1931, all combined or dual lamps will receive the official stamp. Our 3 lamp scheme will not be capable of a stamp as the centre lamp can be set at various angles - see "Omnia" marked blue. We think that dipping reflectors, Barker and Lucas, might be accepted, and we think the makers should take the matter up with the Ministre des Travaux Publics if they have not already done so. We have asked what is the watt consumption of the Marchel Standard Code and de luxe lamps, as their illuminating power is greater than the Lucas, which have 36 watt lamps. We have asked MNG. to tell us about the new Marchel lamps which are about to be put on the market, and if he thinks wise to send us a set to try. We think that all cars of our own for trials or propaganda would be best fitted with French headlamps, and not Lucas. Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}/Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} | ||