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).
Page discussing car body design, engine requirements, and strongly recommending British manufacturers adopt a 6-volt electrical system over a 12-volt system for better compatibility.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\4\ Scan167 | |
| Date | 7th March 1928 guessed | |
| - 2 - absolutely essential and it is impossible to sell a car with a humpy looking scuttle; this latter part must be an extension of the lines of the bonnet gradually merging into the body dimensions. Also, it is highly important that the engine should be of six cylinders developing its power at fairly low revs, while particular attention should be paid to margin of safety in engine cooling and ease of starting. Pt. P.S. It is understood of course that when I use the word "we" on the first line of the third paragraph I do not mean Rolls-Royce but British Manufacturers other than R.R. Another point you might put forward is that as a large percentage of the cars in this country are American, it is advisable to copy them in regard to electrical equipment and make this a 6 volt instead of a 12 volt system, also arranging for all lamps, except the headlights, to be interchangeable and of the single pole variety. This will help English cars when calling at service stations for attention in the country where stocks of 6 volt material are invariably kept and 12 volt stuff is exceedingly rare. Also, battery services for English cars would be much improved if they fitted 6 volt instead of 12 volt, and I would suggest that they give a much larger margin than they are in the habit of doing in the capacity of their batteries. If the [handwritten: English] Ignition systems were 6 volt instead of 12 volt, a broken down coil might easily be changed for the "Delco" so commonly in use in American cars and the car could be brought home. [Handwritten: A] | ||