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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).
Responding to a query about the 'Perfection' heater, discussing it as a customer accessory versus a standardized part.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 137\1\  scan0022
Date  24th September 1920
  
[STAMP with handwritten annotation]: SEP 25 X.3506
[Top Right Typed]: Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}3/LG24.9.20.
[Top Right Handwritten]: 1 - 2

To EWT. for R.R. Inc.
from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}
[Crossed out handwritten]: F.C.

[STAMP]: RECEIVED RE ACCESSORIES

[Handwritten]: X.3924 "PERFECTION" HEATERS.
[Handwritten]: X.3506

[Handwritten Note, top right]: He dubs Exh Heaters as Accessories 'as Customer fad' same as Windscreen Wiper!

In Mr. Olley's memo ref. OY4/G27.8.20, he asks for replies to the following items:-

(a) Assurance that the "Perfection" Heater is considered satisfactory by Rolls-Royce Ltd.
[Handwritten Note next to (a)]: O.Y Trying. 1 ton.

(b) Suggestions for improvement in design.
[Handwritten Note next to (b)]: side - trial on 10,000 mile test & Full Standardisation procedure (3 months at least)

Item a.{Mr Adams}

We should like to make it clear that we look upon Exhaust Heaters as accessories which are occasionally asked for by customers. An Exhaust Heater comes under the same category as a Wiper for the windscreen. Not one R-R Car in five-hundred in England are fitted with Exhaust Heaters. We can only repeat what we said in our last report i.e., that the Perfection Heater is the best we know of for fitting to our present cars. If Mr. Olley wishes any more assurance than this for this heater, it means that a 10,000 miles test should be run and a standardisation sheet issued. We have not in the past considered issuing standardization sheets for accessories which are fitted to only a few cars. They are treated as customers' fads.

Item b.

We do not as a rule recommend alterations in design on an accessory which we have not standardised. If R.R. America contemplate fitting Exhaust Heaters to all cars or a great percentage of them, then we consider the matter should be put

Contd.

[Footer text, printed upside down]: R.R. 226A (100) (T) (S.H.) 169. 11-8-20 C. 2800
  
  


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