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 regarding the non-compliance of Lucas lamps with Massachusetts motor vehicle regulations and the prohibitive cost of nationwide approval.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61a\2\ scan0118 | |
| Date | 1st May 1931 | |
| COPY May First 1931 Messrs. Joseph Lucas Limited Great King Road Birmingham, England. Gentlemen:- On receipt of the complete sample set of Lucas lamps we had them mounted on a car and our Chief Engineer went with the car to the offices of the Registry of Motor Vehicles, controlling the State of Massachusetts. We were advised that the lamps in no way conformed to the laws of the State and unless a new reflector and a new lense were fitted, along with the removal of the central vertical bar, the lamps could not be passed. The same condition would apply in other States of the country. We feel that were we to ask for such changes the desirable features of the lamp from an appearance point of view would be entirely lost and we do not believe it is wise to proceed further with this negotiation. You might be interested to know that we were advised that in order to have the head and tail lamps approved in all of the States of the Nation the total cost would be in the neighbourhood of $50,000. This, of course, makes it quite prohibitive. If you desire us to return the sample lamps to you please give us necessary shipping instructions and we will arrange to forward them. Yours very truly A.C.ROSS Vice President. ENCLOSURE Nº 363 "JUSTSO" | ||