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).
Recommending the purchase of a 20 HP Lorraine car for competitive analysis and comparison.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 22\4\ Scan032 | |
| Date | 13th August 1926 | |
| X.3588 To B.J. from R.{Sir Henry Royce} c. to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} R3/M13.8.26. 20 HP. LORRAINE. I think we ought to have one of these cars as they did so well in the recent Endurance Race in France. There are many things about it that we do not approve of, and cannot believe to be correct, or can equal ours :- (1) Single ignition with their plug position. (2) 4 Crankshaft bearings. (3) Cylinders in pairs. (4) Exposed tappet rods. (5) Scheme of steering box etc. (6) Carburetter. It is wanted to compare with 20 HP. RR. for power, steering, and holding the road. Their engine has same bore, but slightly longer stroke, and they are geared higher on top but probably use their lower gears more than we do - i.e. probably they do not, and cannot, hang on top. Mr. Minchin mentioned this to me, and got us particulars. There is an exact duplicate of the racing machine at £597 - say £600. Could our French house get this cheaply at shipping discounts. If it would cost us much money - i.e. more than say £600. I should not recommend it as worth while. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||