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).
Visit to the Studebaker factory, detailing a test of their new free-wheel mechanism and observations on their extensive research and component testing methods.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\1\ scan0052 | |
| Date | 1st July 1930 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} stopped at South Bend where the Studebaker factory is. By the courtesy of the President, Mr. Erskine, we were allowed to see and try their car which was just on the point of being announced to the public with free wheel easy change device with helical gears. Here again we were allowed to drive the car ourselves and changing gear was as simple - if not more so - than on the Cadillac. The free wheel mechanism was optional, i.e. by pressing a button on top of the change speed lever it could be put out of action, which would of course immediately overcome the objections of any one who did not like the free wheel idea. At this plant I went over the experimental and research department. This was of a very extensive nature and the amount of money which they spend annually on this department seemed fabulous. The trouble to which they go to ascertain and eliminate possibilities of difficulties arising is really extraordinary, and they have designed and made some very ingenious machines for testing to destruction various component parts. The tests to which they submit engines are extraordinarily severe, considerably more so than the 100 hours type test of our aero engines. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Enc. | ||