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).
Comparison of engine performance, taxation, and manufacturing methods with American competitors.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 179\3\ img125 | |
| Date | 31th March 1932 | |
| -3- HE/Ra.1/MA.31.3.32.cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} Development is now going on improving the power output. We know from our experience that a 12 cyl engine can be made to give very considerably more power per litre than a 6 cyl of the same displacement. In competing with the Cadillac 16 we have to face the singular taxation rating in Great Britain which penalises the technically efficient design so un-mercifully. 40/50 R.R. 6 Cyl. 468 cu.ins. £42 Tax. 40/80 Cadillac 16 Cyl. 452 cu.ins. £58 Tax. In the cheaper types of autombile the efficiency is relatively quite as great as in the luxury class and naturally, owing to the far greater production, better value for money can be obtained. The largest 8 Cyl Buick which has a displacement of 345 cu.ins. and sells at 1700 is a refined automobile with a very smooth power unit, excellent acceleration and a top speed of about 76 M.P.H. This car has a high reputation for durability in the States. It has, of course, a silent easy change gearbox and a vacuum clutch control and is up to date in every way. In the 600 class the 6 cyl Chevrolet has proved a very serious competitor to the 4 cyl Ford, and the 8 Cyl Ford has been produced to regain the market. In spite of their huge production, Chevrolets are singularly de-centralised their components being manufactured all over the country. The manufacturing side of the industry was most interesting. The complete elimination of fitting by super-lative machining takes a little getting used to. Even in shops such as Curtis Wright and Pratt & Witney with relative-ly small out-puts it was the exception to see an erector using a file, reamer, or scraper. The prevalence of the semi automatic type of machine in small production shops was also noticeable it being quite common practice for one man to run two machines. The quality of the castings and forgings seemed to be very good. The cleanliness and organisation of the foundries with big outputs was remarkable. The whole stock of sand is often used twice a day. | ||