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).
Internal memorandum regarding customer A.Y. Gowen's vehicle performance issues and modification requests for chassis GDX-15.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 107\3\ scan0001 | |
| Date | 9th May 1933 | |
| X 5/10 S/W. for Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Whr{Mr Wheeler}/GST{G. S. Townsend}1/WP.9.5.33 re: 20/25 h.p. Chassis No. GDX-15 Mr. A.Y.Gowen You will no doubt remember this gentleman, as we believe he has paid you one or two visits at Derby accompanied by Mr. Southern, when the latter was acting for R.R.A.I. Mr. Gowen is, as you know, a very valuable customer of ours and within the last twelve months he has purchased no fewer than three Rolls-Royce cars. This gentleman has been troubled with the carburettor on the above car, although at present we believe this is more or less adjusted to his satisfaction. He took delivery of the car on the 2nd instant and since he has had it he considers the performance is not so good as that on his other 20/25 h.p. For instance, he says that his maximum speed with one up and no luggage is 67 miles an hour, and it takes him all his time to achieve this speed. Opposed to this is 81 miles an hour with two up and 250 lbs. luggage on his old car No. GMU-63. The maximum speed he obtains on third gear is 56/57 miles an hour, whereas he contends he had over 60 m.p.h. on GMU-63. Mr. Gowen is considering having an A.T. revolution counter fitted, but we have advised him that we do not recommend the fitting of this instrument. As, however, he particularly wishes to see you regarding the foregoing we have asked him to discuss this latter subject also with you. This gentleman requires a cut-out fitted. Perhaps you can advise him when he arrives of the cost of carrying out this work, assuming it would be done at Cricklewood. Our customer would much prefer to travel up to Derby with the car one afternoon and be free to leave it with you all the following day. He also wishes you to discuss these matters with him personally. If you are prepared to do this, will you kindly advise us of a date which will be convenient to you, giving us two or three days notice so that we can advise Mr. Gowen accordingly. Whr{Mr Wheeler}/GST.{G. S. Townsend} RB{R. Bowen} LID{A. J. Lidsey} See me HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||