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 market for high-powered motor-boat engines, following a meeting with a Capt. Nicholson from Saunders'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\1\ Scan016 | |
| Date | 30th May 1930 | |
| To Fl. From Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to Wor. {Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Y45-8. Hs. {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 3/MAJ.30.5.30. X45-8 X44-18 ENGINES FOR MOTOR-BOATS. When I was at Saunders' the other day I met Capt. Nicholson, who was rather upset because he had not received any reply from us with reference to their enquiry re. Condor engines for motor-boats. He impressed me that there was a reasona/ble market for the high powered petrol motor-boat engine. He shewed me the specifications for the Wright, Packard, and Fiat engines all of which appeared to be aero engines modified for motor-boat work. I raised the matter with R. {Sir Henry Royce} and he agreed that it was worth looking into. We explained that the Condor engine now was a very reliable, efficient, and cheap engine and there were reasons why it could be made more suitable for the "H" engine for boat work. Another advantage in keeping the Condor alive is the fact that the compression ignition of this type may soon be available and this would undoubtedly be attractive for motor-boats. All I promised Capt. Nicholson I would do was to see that they did get a reply. In their letter I believe they asked for clutches and reverse gear. I told him that we may prefer to supply only the engines. They were prepared to consider this. | ||