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 to Borg & Beck Co. Ltd. discussing the use of a 9-inch clutch for a light 4.5-litre car.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 130\3\ scan0018 | |
| Date | 24th November 1938 | |
| 1110 EXPERIMENTAL DEPARTMENT. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/NRC.{N. R. Chandler}16/JH. 24th. November, 1938. Messrs. Borg & Beck Co.Ltd., Tachbrook Road, Leamington Spa. For the attention of Mr. Armitage. Dear Sirs, We are considering the possibility of applying a 9" Long C.F. Clutch to a specially light car of about 4 1/2 litre with a torque of about 200 lbs/feet. Our experience with Thermoid indicates that wear of the facings appears to be almost negligible. While the scheme is not yet sufficiently advanced to give you all the usual particulars on your specification form, we anticipate a weight in the neighbourhood of 31 cwts. If there is a standard 9" Long C.F. we would be glad to have assembly drawing and C.F. curve. Splines 1 1/4" S.A.E., or possibly 1 3/8". We note that several American makers are now using smaller clutches in relation to the engine size, which appears reasonable so long as the car weight is kept low, in fact, it appears reasonable to suppose that with a high power weight ratio, there would be less energy to be dissipated by the clutch than with a similar weight and smaller engine, and we would be interested to know if your views coincide! Thanking you in anticipation. Yours faithfully, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LTD. | ||