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).
Internal memorandum discussing the Bluemel-Douglas adjustable steering wheel and its potential trial on a Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\3\ scan0215 | |
| Date | 24th April 1935 | |
| X1302 F.J.H. Should like to look at this model Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} and Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} from E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} E.2/HP.24.4.35. c. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} En. Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} EV.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} re Adjustable Steering Wheel. Owing to the publicity which has recently been devoted to adjustable steering wheels, I have had enquiries made with regard to the Bluemel-Douglas device, and attach herewith Da{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}'s report on same. The main object of this adjustment must necessarily be to accommodate in conjunction with a sliding seat drivers of different length of leg. At the present time we work to a fixed dimension of 23" from the accelerator pedal at half stroke to the centre of the bottom edge of the steering wheel rim, but this is an average dimension, and obviously the very short or the very long legged drivers have to make the best of it, by moving the seat, if it is adjustable. The final result is that either the steering wheel is not in the correct position relative to the arms, or the pedals are not in the correct position relative to leg lengths. Strictly, an angular adjustment of the steering column is also required, and this we do provide on the Bentley, though not in readily adjustable form - such is not necessary. I think the Bluemel adjustable wheel is quite a good job. The one point I should question is the use of the split clamped aluminium hub, but this could be re-enforced with a linked band of steel. The serrations are in aluminium in the hub portion, but in the event of the hub being driven in the unclamped position there is plenty of area for wear. Personally, I think the adjustment ought to be of the type that can be easily operated, or much of the usefulness of the device will be lost. As the question of an adjustable steering wheel does represent a fundamental need, and there may be some demand for it, particularly on a car like the Bentley, I suggest that we should have one rigged up on one of our experimental cars for trial. CONTINUED:- | ||