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).
Development of the S-S and 20 HP cars, and the 'mirror-reflexion' principle for producing left-hand drive models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\4\ Scan016 | |
| Date | 14th September 1928 | |
| OY6.R.9.14.28 September 14th, 1928. TO: Mr. H.J. Fuller cc - Mr. Beaver Mr. Nadin FROM: Mr. Olley RE SS{S. Smith} AND 20 HP CARS Since the return of Mr. Burton we have a much clearer understanding of the relation between the "S-S" chassis and the "India III"(i.e. the proposed development of the 20 HP.) We now understand that the two developments represent the coordination of the designs for the large and small cars, so that while the S.S. is broadly speaking an enlarged and improved reproduction of the 20 HP, the India III is the corresponding improvement of the 20 HP to meet the improvements made in the S.S. At the same time the India III design contemplates an increase in power and acceleration of the 20 HP car which will automatically (we believe) create a demand for it in the U.S. PRINCIPLE OF LEFT HANDING. We understand that the method of left handing the various car designs was discussed by Mr. Royce when Mr. Burton was at West WitteringHenry Royce's home town and that Mr. Royce is strongly in favor of producing (as regards the engine and parts under the bonnet) an exact "mirror-reflexion" of the right hand drive parts. From experience with the two "left handed" cars, the S. Ghost and present Phantom, we are in absolute agreement with this principle, whether or not the space available under the bonnet will permit left-handing with fewer apparent changes by other methods which may at first sight appear simpler. It appears to us that the advantages of the "mirror reflexion" principle are:- (1) The performance of the two cars as regards exhaust noise etc. are strictly comparable since the relation between the parts is similar. (2) Improvements made on the right hand car can in general be reproduced on the left hand car without delay or further experiment. - continued - | ||