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).
Potential ergonomic and visibility improvements for the steering and pedal setup on chassis 12-MX.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 17\3\ Scan332 | |
| Date | 28th November 1928 | |
| X7430 PN.{Mr Northey}2/WT2.11.28. S/W. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}..from PN.{Mr Northey} Copy to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} [Illegible stamp] Chassis No. 12-MX.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} The new E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} steering on this car with the new pedal positions etc appear to be very pleasant and useful in every way. I think it is very important that the driver should be able to get a glimpse of the front end of the near front wing without craning his neck too much. This condition can be fulfilled on 12-MX{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} by raising the seat cushion slightly, which I have done experimentally to-day. Much depends of course, from the driver's vision point of view, on the horizontal dividing line of the windscreen being sufficiently low, so that it does not get in his way, as in the case of the car in question. I think it would be most satisfactory if the proposal to increase the diameter of the steering wheel by 3/4" is carried out - the increased diameter not making any difference to the clearance between the seat cushion at the bottom edge of the steering wheel i.e. the slope of the steering column would have to be reduced slightly, and probably an additional bit as well in order to give 1/2" more clearance between the bottom of the steering wheel and the seat cushion. If it were possible it certainly would be very nice if this position for steering column could have been available on the two Riviera cars. Will you let me know please whether this would be feasible - having regard to the fact that the two Riviera chassis have upright dashes and 12-MX{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} has a cast dash. PN.{Mr Northey} WN | ||