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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).
Letter from Overdrive Gears Ltd. regarding an improved overdrive design and potential collaboration.

Identifier  ExFiles\Box 136\2\  scan0128
Date  18th July 1939
  
1153.
PLEASE REPLY DIRECT TO "ORMIDALE" THE AVENUE, HATCH END, MIDDX. 'PHONE: HATCH END 1221

Overdrive Gears Ltd.,
76, VICTORIA STREET, LONDON, S. W. 1.

DIRECTORS
A.C.WICKMAN.
WALTER JENKS.
C. D.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} GAY.
E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} de NORMANVILLE.

TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAMS
VICTORIA 6291

18th July, 1939

Dear Mr.Robotham.

On my return from a demonstration trip to the leading manufacturers in France (where, I am glad to say, the job had a very favourable reception) I find your letter of the 22nd ultimo awaiting me, for which I now thank you.

An interesting point of view was submitted to me by Monsieur Louis Renault, who suggested that with such an easy change, one could reduce the rear axle ratio by some 15/20 per cent, which would give a valuable improvement in town driving, get-a-way, etc. whilst still leaving a well worth while R.P.M. reduction for fast cruising: and also ensure an improved "all-out" performance. As he is an engineer whose opinion deserves consideration, I pass his views on to you - academically!

By separate post, I am sending you an improved design with what I consider a better control - all by one lever.

As you will see the Overdrive control is effected by the ordinary change speed lever but to disengage the Overdrive all that is necessary is merely to hit the lever backwards and then the small spring at the side of the said gear lever automatically returns it again to top speed position. I think this is the quickest control and perhaps is also better from the standpoint of not involving any separate control. I am sending you this by post in consideration of my knowledge of the heavy demands on your time but am hoping to hear shortly that it has become practicable for the best car and the best Overdrive to get together again.

With personal regards,

Yours sincerely,
Edgar de Normanville.

W.A.Robotham,Esq.,
Messrs Rolls Royce,Ltd.
Derby.
  
  


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