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).
Experiments with lower gear ratios for the 20 HP car due to heavier coachwork demands.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 6\4\ 04-page171 | |
| Date | 3rd November 1926 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} from BJr Copy to Cr.{Mr Cra???ster / Mr Chichester} Copy to BX. Copy to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} X5310 HS{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Speed of 20 HP Car. I was interested to see DA{Bernard Day - Chassis Design}2/M29/10/26 addressed to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer}, stating that you wished to make experiments with lower gear ratios on the 20 HP, as this coincided with a discussion on the same point at a recent Sales Conference of which the following is a record:- 'Speed of 20 h.p. Car.' 'This matter was further discussed. It is understood that R.{Sir Henry Royce} has written to W. suggesting that lower gear ratios should be considered with a view to improving the performance of the chassis now that heavier coachwork is being demanded.' 'The S.C. is in favour of this course and it was agreed that a suitable representation should be made to R.{Sir Henry Royce}' 'It is pointed out that 80% of the 20 H.P. cars now supplied are equipped with enclosed type coachwork, and there appears very little scope for decreasing the weight of these bodies. At the present time we are not able to recommend the Weyman style of body, although it is hoped that the lighter methods of construction as shown in the 'Barkerlite' type of body will eventually provide some solution of the weight difficulty.' 'Meanwhile it is suggested we might consider for the 20 H.P. chassis two gear-ratios, the lower one being intended for chassis where covered coachwork will be fitted.' BJ. | ||