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).
The 4-speed synchromesh gearboxes of Alvis, Hillman, and Humber cars at Olympia in 1934.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 137\5\ scan0113 | |
| Date | 23th October 1934 | |
| X3720 To E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} from HDY.{William Hardy} HDY.{William Hardy}1/HP.23.10.34. c. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wer. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Ba. Ey. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Alvis, Hillman and Humber 4 Speed Synchromesh Gearboxes at Olympia 1934. As requested in E.1/HP.8.10.34, I give below a report on these gearboxes:- 20-HP Alvis. I was able to drive this car for a short distance and to obtain some idea of the behaviour of the gearbox. The engine capacity is now 2762 cc. which is three quarters of that of the 20/25 RR. The gearbox ratios are .7, .49, .32. Operation of the Gear Change. Engagement from rest change from top to third and from third to top. Satisfactory although requiring considerably more effort than on the 20/25. Third to second Unpleasantly heavy. Second to first. Impossibly heavy. My first impression was that the gear could not be engaged at all without double de-clutching. However, with determination the gear could be made to go in. The speed was 10-15 m.p.h. On a severe gradient the loss of car speed will no doubt be quicker than the loss of clutch speed and this will assist the synchronisation, but the necessity for losing car speed to any great extent is not attractive. None of the gears could be crashed even when vigorously handled. | ||