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).
Adapting to the American market and incorporating American automotive developments.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\3\ Scan263 | |
| Date | 3rd April 1930 guessed | |
| -2- The only serious objection advanced against this seems to be the danger of "losing the engine" and impossibility of starting it again by the inertia of the car. We suggest that this objection could be largely overcome by providing a simple idling stop as fitted on the American chassis (404 MR). We think it is now recognised at Derby that this stop, which normally prevents the throttle from entirely closing, does not cause popping, or high fuel consumption, fouled plugs, etc. nor does it interfere with ease of starting. Do you not think that by concentrating on these available developments we could make the quickest progress towards satisfying the increasingly difficult requirements of American use, and at the same time greatly improve the car for universal use? Precedents. Mr. Southern suggests that in continually harping on American conditions we should explain our feelings in the matter. Generally speaking the U.S. does not "pioneer" automobile developments, but by the volume of their production they turn "radical ideas" into "accepted standards" almost overnight. We have listed the following examples of this process, which are not in the least connected with "volume production" or cheapness, but have been, or are being, incorporated in American cars by force of public demand, and which in every case have become or are in process of becoming "world-standards". These items are roughly in chronological order:- Electric starting and lighting (Cadillac) Vacuum feed. Bumpers. Metal-panelled coachwork. Metal valances or aprons, front, rear and sides. Electric horn. Exhaust heated carburation ("Hot Spot"). Lacquer (cellulose) finish (Duponts). Windshield wipers. Balloon tires. Front brakes. Standardised head lighting. Chrome and stainless finish. Automatic temperature control. Centralized lubrication. Visible fuel gauge. Standards of acceleration. cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} | ||