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 'R.' to 'CJ.' regarding the decision to use a 4-speed gearbox over a 3-speed, due to buyer preference and overcoming design issues.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\N\October1925-December1925\ Scan42 | |
| Date | 19th October 1925 | |
| R.R. 235A (100 T) (S.H. 159, 11-8-20) G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} 2800 ORIGINAL TO CJ. FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} As for your information R4/M19.10.25. EXPERIMENTAL WORK. X8310 / X5310 X.8920 My dear CJ., Referring to your CJ7/E161025., and the mention of a 3 speed gearbox, we had no idea of using one. It was pressed by me when coachbuilders rushed for central change, where 4 speed control is in-conveniently clumsy. Also weight, cost, and low geared back axles, made me think that 4 speeds were an unnecessary complication. It is now agreed that buyers prefer the 4 speed box, and in the 20HP. we have overcome some of the objections of bulk, and weight, and hope to apply this type soon to the 40/50. Yours ever, R.{Sir Henry Royce} [Stamp: Received 20 OCT 1925] | ||