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).
Comparing design elements of competitor cars (Buick, Humber, Wizard) against Rolls-Royce's own practices.
| Identifier | WestWitteringFiles\V\March1931-September1931\ Scan334 | |
| Date | 4th August 1931 | |
| ORIGINAL. SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} C. to WGR. HS.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} RV. C. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} CAR DESIGNS. When I spoke of other cars being shewy in appearance and probably unsound mechanically, or not of lasting smartness, I was thinking of controls on the steering column of the Buick and others, where these depend upon friction to stay where put instead of our practice of positive teeth. Some of our staff were saying that one moves the other. On our new scheme we are retaining the teeth but the finger pieces are moved round over a guard ring or disc so that the fingers cannot get mixed with the spokes. The Humber appearance is good but there was great trouble here with a tin like smart looking cover which hides the road wheel hub fixing. It would not be worth much in a short time unless in very careful hands. On many cars there is much thin sheet steel work that depends upon the painting, which one thinks will not wear, and will probably rust from the back, and cloth upholstery, compared with our thick aluminium, choice wood, and real leather. The Humber and Wizard I believe both have Bendix self servo-ing brakes which did not feel progressive - i.e. little effect by say the first 10 lbs., and perhaps 4 times as much by twice the pressure. Also this scheme may be very bad for equalising - i.e. exaggerates any difference in the condition of the friction surfaces. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||