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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).
Standardising the 'dip and switch' anti-dazzle headlight system for various car models.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 61a\3\  scan0190
Date  27th January 1936
  
COPY.

Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} at W.
C1/MK.27.1.36.

Headlights.

As you know, there is some difference of opinion as to what constitutes the best anti-dazzle arrangement.

We have tried various schemes and some little time ago standardised the present arrangement which is the reflectors of both headlights to dip and swing to the nearside on the operation of a foot switch, but we provide a supplementary switch which places it within the power of the driver to cut out the offside headlight on dipping, so that in effect we give the customer the choice between

(a) the reflector of each headlight to dip and swing to the nearside, and

(b) the offside lamp to be extinguished and the reflector of the nearside lamp only to dip and swing to the nearside.

From enquiries we have made amongst our friends in the trade and our own experience, we have come to the conclusion that (b) is the best all-round scheme and we have, therefore, concluded that it is unnecessary for us to go to the expense of having the reflectors to both headlights arranged to dip and swing to the nearside, and of the supplementary switch.

In other words, we have decided to standardise the arrangement (b) described above, commonly known as the "dip and switch scheme".

Will you therefore be good enough to arrange for the wiring of the Bentley, 20/25 H.P. R.R. and the P.III to be modified accordingly as soon as possible, advising us when the changes will take place.

In the case of the Bentley, of course, it means that future orders for headlights should specify the dip and switch type and Roy.{Sir Henry Royce} will have to get Lucas to adjust their contract prices.

It also means that on the Bentley there will be no need to fit the supplementary switch to cut out the offside headlight.
  
  


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