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).
Technical report on a test drive of a Chrysler 'Richmond' saloon with a new gearbox control system.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 125\2\ scan0102 | |
| Date | 7th June 1932 | |
| COPY. PN{Mr Northey}2/WT7.6.32. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from PN.{Mr Northey} Copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Chrysler "Richmond" 19.8 h.p. Saloon. Price £425. This car was loaned to us this morning for a short time in order that one could form an impression of the new gearbox control in which a vacuum operated clutch pedal is combined with a free-wheel, and a three-speed box enabling easy gear-changing to take place under all circumstances. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} also had an opportunity of trying this car. I found that all the claims made for the arrangement were fully justified. It was easy to change into any gear at any speed without at any time touching the clutch-pedal or revving up the engine. The chief characteristic difference between this method of gearbox control and the standard one, is that one is conscious of having to rev up the engine every time after one has lurched up, and although doubtless this can be got used to in a short time, it does constitute rather an irritating feature. Also, I think there is no doubt that the free-wheel scheme would make it very difficult, if not impossible to drive a car with the same R.R. silkiness which we are used to. I think there is much to be said for the Chrysler scheme. I can find no weak feature in it. I do not personally object to driving with a free-wheel. This car is fitted with a lever to be pushed when the vacuum and free-wheel arrangement can be cut out and the gearbox in such case will be controlled as usual with other cars. The 2 1/2 litre engine whilst being extraordinarily free from any vibration at any speed which we ran at did not appear to have any remarkable acceleration or compared with the Lanchester 18 in this respect. It was interesting to see the engine rocking about in the frame without there being any sense of vibration to the frame or other parts of the Chassis. (Sgd.) PN.{Mr Northey} | ||