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 modifications to the Phantom III gearbox, considering a three-speed with overdrive.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 94\2\ scan0083 | |
| Date | 24th November 1936 | |
| 328 To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} From Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to Ey. c. to Du. c. to Hdy.{William Hardy} File Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}1/AP.24.11.36. P.III. GEARBOX. Referring to Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}17/R.23.11.36., the position seems to be - everyone is agreed that - 1. The P.III. separate gearbox has proved to be unsatisfactory. 2. It would be better if this was fitted on the engine as in our other cars. 3. A four speed gearbox with three synchromesh gears is bound to be somewhat disproportionately heavier and more costly than a three speed box. 4. On the other hand we can improve both the functioning of our existing box and perhaps reduce the cost 10% by design modification. 5. There is not much elation to be gained from the four speed box on the P.III. nor is the gear change made without effort. The debatable points are:- 1.* Will the public accept a three speed box now we have started P.III. with four speeds. 2.* If we do go to a three speed box, shall we subsequently be forced into an over drive to cope with modern arterial roads both here and on the Continent. The Americans have already had to accept this. 3.* If (2)* is likely to happen is it not better to build the over drive now into the gearbox. We can fix up (1)* and (3)* on an existing P.III. box for you to try. The only reason we want to buy a Packard box is to test the strength of the design on the dynamometer with a view to adopting such features as are successful, should a three speed box be decided upon. Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} | ||