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).
Replying to 13 points with feedback on a car's ignition controls, steering, and instrument board layout.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 69\2\ scan0291 | |
| Date | 19th December 1924 | |
| SECRET As from B.T. To H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} from B.T. (Handwritten Notes: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}, X8770, op/fwd/to) H1/TB/19.12.24 Re:- EAC-2. Replying to the 13 points contained in CWB1/LH{Mr Haworth}/16.12.24, please note:- (1) I think the ignition control arrangements are satisfactory, except for 2 points - (a) (Handwritten: very important) The press button arrangement for switching on the instrument board lamps, which we have found so unsatisfactory in the "20", has been embodied. It should be altered for some device which will enable the lamps to be switched on without the driver having to hold his finger on the press button. (b) (Handwritten: ditto) The little switch by which the magneto ignition can be switched off, giving battery ignition alone, may have to be put on the face of the instrument board instead of at the back; or there will be a risk of forgetting it and running on battery ignition only while under the impression that both are being used. (2) The appearance is good, but I had no opportunity of adjusting or examining any parts in such a way as to obtain knowledge of their 'getatability'. (3) The steering is good, particularly from 35 m.p.h. onwards. On rough roads at lower speeds I think there is a little more road shock than on the present standard 40-50. Whether this is due to ratio, or to stiffer springing in front, I do not know. (4) See (3) (5) I did not look upon this as a standard instrument board, it being of a "V" shape; but the ignition control, the starter button, the speedometer and the oil pressure gauge are in highly convenient positions. (6) It would not be fair to criticise the arrangements of this car, I think, because the horn bulb seems to be specially mounted to get in the way of the gear lever. | ||