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).
Compilation of press cuttings from well-known motoring writers expressing their appreciation for adjustable steering wheels.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 154\3\ scan0227 | |
| Date | 1st May 1936 | |
| Well-known Motoring Writers express their APPRECIATION . . . "The Daily Mail." "WHAT TO EXPECT IN 1936" By Sir Malcolm Campbell ADJUSTABLE STEERING—TELESCOPIC STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTABLE FOR REACH "Daily Mail." "IDEAS I LIKE BEST ABOUT THE SHOW" By Roger Fuller. In many families to-day a car is driven by husband, wife, and quite often, children. If they vary in size, the question of a comfortable driving position becomes most important. For this reason Telescopic steering, which is a feature of many modern vehicles, is very welcome. "The Standard Review." From "Correspondence." . . . This is the first car in which I have had ample room for my legs allied to a comfortable driving position. I have driven over 300,000 miles in eleven cars during the past twelve years and can therefore speak from bitter experience. "Modern Mechanix & Invention Magazine." (U.S.A.) "AUTO STEERING POST IS ADJUSTABLE" A Telescopic steering wheel post that can be adjusted to suit the comforts of the driver is being greeted with enthusiasm by European motorists. Operated like a collapsible drinking cup the steering post may be set to any desired length. "News Chronicle." "BRIAN LEWIS FINISHES HIS TOUR OF THE MOTOR SHOW" I was very interested in the Bluemel-Douglas telescopic steering wheel, by which one can adjust the wheel instantly to one's own length of arm. This is an innovation which many motorists will welcome, especially the tall man and the short wife who both drive the same car. "Britannia & Eve." THE DAIMLER "LIGHT TWENTY" By the Earl of Cardigan. The new steering column is of the "telescopic" variety—that is, it is instantly adjustable in regard to length. To a long-legged driver like myself this is a great boon. It means that one can now push the driving seat right back, and still have the steering wheel more or less in one's lap, instead of having to reach out for it, as one was forced to do in the "pre-telescopic" era. "The Autocar." FROM "DISCONNECTED JOTTINGS" By "The Scribe". When I come to buy my next car the deciding factor will be whether it has an adjustable steering wheel or not. The new Bluemel adjustable wheel is being supplied on several of the 1936 models and sooner or later, no doubt, it will be standard on many more. Its need is obvious, especially in cases where a car is used by several members of a family. Last week I did a little vicarious what-not pressing and re-arranged my driving seat so that I could see out of the front window very nicely, although it felt like driving a taxi. Then the lady who usually sits on my left, but who of late has insisted on sitting on my right occasionally, wanted to take the car out. The new driving position did not suit her at all, so out came the tool-kit and now we are where we were before. An adjustable steering wheel would give us both what we want. There is a man "in our avenue" who, because he has such long legs, always looks as if he were singing tenor in the village choir; a Bluemel wheel would cure his troubles and those of the little gentleman in the next road who always seems to be cuddling the steering wheel. An adjustable steering wheel is as logical as an adjustable throttle, yet it has taken car manufacturers all these years to realize it. "The Autocar." "COMBATING FATIGUE" H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Kennard, the well-known Bone Setter. One other point that deserves mention is the boon of the adjustable steering wheel. For those who have suffered extreme fatigue in the arms through having the steering wheel too far away it is indeed an occasion for congratulating the designer and manufacturer. "The Observer." "THE AMERICAN INVASION—ANOTHER BRITISH REPLY" —THE FLYING STANDARD— By John Prioleau. A feature that attracted me greatly was the adjustable steering column length. It was lengthened for me while I was driving in a matter of three seconds. It certainly scored there over any American car I know. "The Standard Car Review." Doubtless the majority of Standard car owners "fit" their cars to themselves as soon as they take delivery. But some do not, as witness a friend of the present writer's who had driven a new "Twelve" over 1,000 miles with the steering wheel almost against his chest, and his knees nearly touching, the wheel, before he realised that the discomfort thus implied could be eliminated "in a jiffy," and the utmost ease and comfort substituted by means of the Bluemel "Telescopic" Steering Wheel. An important point to bear in mind when—as is the case of some owners—there is an inclination to adopt an 'I-can't-be-bothered-to-alter-it' attitude, is that a more comfortable driving position makes for greater safety; legs and arms cramped or in an extended discourage precision in the use of the wheel, clutch, brakes and accelerator. And need it be said that in driving a car the need for the utmost precision is not infrequently called for. "The Autocar." "DISCONNECTED JOTTINGS" By "The Scribe". A year or so ago motorists were asking why manufacturers did not equip their cars with adjustable steering wheels. Several times I mentioned the need for such a fitment. Then last year, I mentioned that the "Telescopic" steer... under Bluemel-Douglas patents, and it became so popular that no fewer than twenty-one thousand are now in use in this country. Not a bad year's output, which one may reasonably expect to be exceeded in 1936. "The Autocar." From "Correspondence". . . . Your correspondent . . . has raised a question which should arouse the sympathy of a large body of motorists. He clearly points out why a sliding seat or a variable steering column rake are of little use except within small limits. . . . The eternal problem of various members of a family, all differing in stature, wishing to drive the same car, is surely worthy of some consideration. "The Standard Review." . . . all have an instantaneous adjustment of the height of the steering wheel, enabling the latter to be varied, even while driving, to suit the arm reach of any and every driver. This feature, taken in conjunction with the adjustable front seats and pedals, enables the standard owner to ensure a perfectly comfortable driving position and to operate the controls easily. "The Export Trader." Whilst almost every modern car is provided with an adjustable seat for the driver, it is remarkable that little has been done to enable him to set the other controls at his convenience. Many drivers who prefer the steering wheel close to them are, by reason of their height, forced to adopt a driving position so that the wheel is almost at arms length. In order to get over this difficulty, Bluemel Bros. Ltd., of Wolston, Coventry, have produced a steering wheel adjustable for reach. It is shown illustrated on this page. "The Practical Motorist." "DO NOT MISS ! —" Show Report. Motorists who put driving comfort as of primary importance will be interested in the Bluemel-Douglas adjustable steering column device fitted on a number of cars including Standard and Triumph. With this equipment the length of the column can be altered to suit individual requirements in a matter of moments. "Automobile Engineer." Driving position still often leaves much to be desired, particularly in the case of small family saloons. Adjustable driving seats have, to some extent, reduced trouble, but any arrangements determined by means of a sliding seat and a fixed steering wheel position can only be a compromise. The most important relative position between steering wheel and seat does not always give the desired pedal to squab measurements, and the steering column that is adjustable for length will do much to increase driving comfort. In this connection Bluemel Bros. Ltd., Wolston, Coventry, have introduced an adjustable column. "The Observer." A feature that attracted me greatly was the adjustable steering column length. "The Sunday Times." The driving position was excellent, the steering wheel being mounted on a telescopic column so that the ideal position can instantly be reached. "The Motor." "BRINGING THE WHEEL TO THE DRIVER" It has for a long time been the practice to make seats adjustable and thus provide a compromise. A much better condition arose, however, with the introduction of certain 1935 cars when several manufacturers incorporated the Bluemel-Douglas adjustable steering wheel, by means of which the setting of the wheel is variable over quite a wide range. "The Star." Allied with this is the telescopic steering wheel. In fact, cars are becoming tailor-made instead of ready-made and the modern motorist, no matter what his stature or physique, may know that his new car will fit him. "Bus & Coach Journal." "ADJUSTABLE STEERING WHEEL." In driver's compartments where space is somewhat restricted, as may be the case on forward-control vehicles, the telescopic steering wheel introduced by Bluemel Bros. Ltd. not only allows the driver easily to reach and leave his seat, but enables him to adjust the wheel to the position he prefers. "The Light Car." "HIGH SPOTS OF THE LIGHT CARS FOR NEXT SEASON." For many years past, the angle of the steering column and the length of the column have been set by the makers, and it has not been possible to alter them readily. The introduction of the Bluemel-Douglas telescopic steering column has, therefore, a distinct step in the right direction. It has already been fitted to light cars, notably Triumph and Standard. For 1936 this system will be found on many makes. "The Sunday Referee." "THE MOTOR TRADE GETS A KICK OUT OF OLYMPIA" By The Duke of Richmond. Among the many fascinating accessories which I saw there was the Bluemel-Douglas adjustable steering wheel, which is a feature of many 1936 cars. It is as if the steering column were telescopic so that the long of leg can sit at ease, and, by pulling the steering column towards them, avoid the usual bugbear of being much too far away from the wheel. "Homes & Gardens." Another excellent feature is the fitting of a Bluemel spring steering wheel combined with their telescopic adjustable column. "Commercial Motor." One of the most interesting exhibits on this stand will be the Bluemel-Douglas Steering Wheel, which allows for the varying stature of drivers. "Britannia & Eve." "A REAL LUXURY CAR" (Describing the new 15 h.p. Daimler) By the Earl of Cardigan. . . . the steering wheel column can be adjusted and the wheel brought into a convenient position to suit any individual driver. This is a comparatively new idea, which, in my opinion, adds very greatly to motoring comfort. "Time & Tide Review." If anyone reads the pseudonym of the writer of these notes, I like to imagine that they picture to themselves a thin, lithe athlete with a light chassis. Believe me, this is not the case. "Streamline," in name only, I sometimes find the steering wheel pressed firmly and uncomfortably on that portion of the anatomy politely termed the lower diaphragm. Perhaps some of the Bluemel Bros. Ltd., of Coventry, have suffered in the same way; in any case, they have invented the new Bluemel-Douglas Steering wheel which may be quickly and easily adjusted to suit any driver. A difference of 3in. can be got in the length of the steering column which makes after luncheon driving much more comfortable for some of us. "Homes & Gardens." "THREE CARS FOR FINE COACHWORK" By the Hon. Maynard Greville. A feature that appealed to me which I have mentioned before in these columns was the fitting of a Bluemel telescopic adjustable steering column . . . so that no matter what the contour or length of the driver might be, he could not fail to make himself really comfortable. "Daily Express." "HAROLD PEMBERTON CHOOSES A COMPOSITE CAR COMBINING THE BEST POINTS FROM THE SHOW" There would be a telescopic steering column and adjustable pedals as in the new Standards. "The Autocar." PATENTED Some 36,350 applications for British patents were filed in 1935 . . . the adjustable steering wheel being a patent of interest. "The Practical Motorist." SHOW REPORT The Bluemel-Douglas adjustable steering wheel should not be missed. This device is fitted as standard equipment to a number of cars such as Daimler, Lanchester, Standard and Triumph and greatly reduces driving fatigue. | ||