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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).
'Condor' engine's reliability and performance for the International Motor-Boat Race.

Identifier  WestWitteringFiles\D\February1920\  Scan59
Date  1st May 1920
  
To CJ. from R.{Sir Henry Royce}
Copy to BH.
" " HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
" " DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}
__________
X.3782. RE INTERNATIONAL MOTOR-BOAT RACE.
__________
As regards to our responsibility to the Nation, I am informed that our "Condor" engine is the best engine that is available for the above purpose, taking it as it stands. It is not for my ambition that the country shall run the risk of suffering that we may have the advertisement so that if anything else more suitable and reliable is available, I am quite agree-able for our engine to be passed.

At the present moment I am doing nothing to this engine and they are not waiting for me, but the Works are testing slight modification to the connecting rod, and also various speeds and compressions to render the engine more reliable.

You will remember that I have pointed out if we cannot see how we can increase the weight of any one part to make it more reliable that if increased reliability is necessary it is a question of running it less fast or with less compressions, or rating it at less horse power.

When first this engine was put on the test plate it was a surprise to me that it would run up to such a high rate of revolutions as 2,000 without breaking up somewhere, as it is a terrific speed for so large an engine.

It is therefore a matter at the moment for the Works to make the best of it as it stands, and tell us the rate and compression and speed which they would recommend us to offer for the purpose of this race.

(Contd.)
  
  


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