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).
Modifying the speedometer scale dial for the Phantom III chassis for Continental markets.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 146\3\ scan0276 | |
| Date | 28th December 1936 | |
| LOST Circulate with this copy GRY{Shadwell Grylls} 1245 To Rolls-Royce Ltd. Derby ............. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Copy to ............. ## Sr. is absent Levallois VAI/ET.28.12.36 Re: SPEEDOMETERS AS FITTED TO PHANTOM III CHASSIS Sr. has asked me to write to you concerning the speedometer head fitted to Phantom III chassis. In his opinion it is not advisable, especially for cars dispatched to France and the Continent, that the speedometer should read to 180 K.P.H. He thinks that the maximum reading should not exceed the 160 K.P.H. mark or, for preference, lower than this; also that the 150 K.P.H. figure should appear on the scale dial. Sr. points out that he feels fairly sure that, with the present type of speedometer scale dial, certain customers will try and reach impossible speeds, which in the long run would be detrimental to the engine, etc.. If a speedometer is fitted, on which the maximum reading is 150 K.P.H. or at the very maximum 160 K.P.H., when certain owners have attained 150 K.P.H., Sr. thinks that they would feel satisfied, having accomplished something re-speed. The 180 K.P.H. mark is inclined to "edge them on". As you are aware, the maximum reading on the 25/30 H.P. speedometer is 130 K.P.H. and owners can reach this speed and will, we think, feel satisfied. We think a modified scale dial, as outlined above, should be fitted to cars which are still at the Coachbuilders and which have not yet been delivered to the owner. We will, however, be pleased to have your views on this matter. VA.VA Nothing extra except first tool cost of new "cliche" for dial, about 2 gns. | ||