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).
Letter from Overdrive Gears Ltd. responding to an inquiry and explaining the functionality of their overdrive system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 136\2\ scan0007 | |
| Date | 18th January 1939 | |
| 1153 Overdrive Gears Ltd., DIRECTORS A.C.WICKMAN. WALTER JENKS. C.D.GAY. E.J. de NORMANVILLE. 76, VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S. W. 1. TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAMS VICTORIA 6291 Messrs. Rolls-Royce Ltd., Derby. 18th January, 1939. Dear Sirs, I thank you for your enquiry dated 16th inst., reference Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls}1/MH.{M. Huckerby} The descriptive pamphlet is not yet to hand from the printers, but I should appreciate an opportunity of calling to demonstrate the job to you, and explain the functioning. If that suggestion meets with your approval I could call any time convenient to you on Thursday or Friday of next week. It is in no way necessary to use full throttle when changing down from Overdrive to direct. When road conditions demand an "all-out" change, it is made (instantaneously and perfectly) with throttle fully open, and without touching the clutch pedal. When, alternatively, road conditions indicate either complete or partial release of the throttle (either before or during the change down), the same procedure applies. The choice of being in Overdrive or direct is at the dictate of the driver at any road speed or any throttle position, and effected as readily and simply as head-lamp dimming. Involuntary free wheeling is also eliminated, engine brake being available in the normal way on all gears, at all times. Thanking you for your enquiry, and hoping that the suggested date may meet your convenience for a demonstration, Yours faithfully, Edgar de Normanville. Managing Director. EJN/GH | ||