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 from the American branch discussing eight-cylinder engine development and the viability of the 40/50 car in the US market.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 43\4\ Scan317 | |
| Date | 9th December 1926 | |
| ROLLS-ROYCE OF AMERICA, INC. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. +4024 Oy3-E-12926 December 9th, 1926. Mr. E. {Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} W. Hives, Rolls-Royce, Ltd., Derby, England. Re Eight Cylinder Car Dear Hives: You recently asked about the eight-in-line engine and I gave you such information as we had. Now may I refer you to the December number of the S.A.E. Journal, which, amongst a lot of very interesting information, has two articles, Crane on Engine Characteristics, and Litle (formerly Chief Engineer of Lincoln) on the smaller refined car. The first is largely elementary but has some useful discussion of the various types of eight cylinder engine. It is particularly interesting as representing undoubtedly a summary of results from the General Motors "proving ground", where cars of all makes are constantly in use. The second is perhaps too enthusiastic, but in a man of Litle's standing (he is president of the Society) cannot be called visionary. Apparently your recent question about the eight-in-line points to more advanced developments than anything we know about. I want to suggest to you that the time has passed, at least in the U.S. where the virtues of an engine design can be usefully considered apart from the car as a whole, and particularly the coachwork. With the increasing traffic congestion the 40/50 car is no longer a "useful" vehicle even in a village like Springfield, because it is too long. All our owners have smaller cars for their city work and can only use their large cars for inter-city transportation (instead of the railroads). | ||