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).
Personal letter discussing suggested modifications for the Australian market based on a report from a mission to Australia.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\4\ Scan166 | |
| Date | 17th January 1928 | |
| Whr.{Mr Wheeler} London. C. to Hc, Derby. Personal. I have received in confidence copy of report of the S.M.M.T. Mission to Australia, which was composed, you will remember, of Boyd-Carpenter, Hawkins and Fann (at least such part of their report as deals with design) and though perhaps we least of all are affected by their recommendations, I thought you might be interested to hear from me that I am entirely in agreement with the conclusions of the Mission, as set out in the report. There are, however, one or two points I would like to make as follows:-- Though we should, as suggested, make the American car our model for the Australian market in many details and particulars, yet we should endeavour to retain some of our own characteristics inasmuch as we are undoubtedly (and recognised to be) ahead of America in design and even suitability for this market in one or two minor details. Among these I would mention the fitting of well base rim and wire wheels as standard; the fitting, in almost every case, of internal expanding brakes instead of contracting bands; the absence of squeaking brakes in which particular fault the American excels; the fitting of many extras as standard, thereby obviating considerable expenditure in excess of ordinary retail price on behalf of the purchaser. There are one or two suggestions I would like to make to the S.M.M.T. which you can forward if you feel so inclined, namely, that bumper bars incorporated in the design of the chassis and not added as an after thought are a sine qua non; the fitting of 'one shot' lubricating system is absolutely essential, as is also the provision of an engine driven pump for inflating tyres. Steering wheels should be of larger diameter than is usual in England, and the steering should be irreversible as already pointed out in the report above mentioned. Another point in the report refers to the increasing of wearing areas of shackles and shackle pins, and this cannot be emphasised too much, though I believe that the fabric type of shackle requiring no lubricating attention is much better. What English coachbuilders fail to realise is that the American car sells on this market because of its roomy coachwork and good lines and finish. In this department British cars lag a long way behind, and it is time it was realised that 90% of the cars purchased in this country are purchased on appearance solely. The American realises full well that nobody wants to see his chassis or hear anything about its mechanical features, particularly as so many of the buyers, or those who influence the buyers, are women. Cellulose finish is | ||