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).
From 'R.' discussing a 12-cylinder project, auto-clutch ideas, and feedback on car performance and design.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 55\1\ Scan136 | |
| Date | 13th February 1932 | |
| Ha.16.2.32. COPY OF MEMO RECEIVED FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} DATED 13.2.32. c. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Rg.{Mr Rowledge} c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} Thank you for your letter and also for your suggestions for 12 cylinder that I have so long wished for - we hope this will be moving quickly now. Auto Clutch. I can quite understand that large heavy chassis require some help in their heavy clutches but we have not wished for free wheeling which an auto clutch will give and it would require some other consideration of luffing up and brake wear, thrust wear on the crankshaft bearings etc. If the clutch were found to tire the driver too much would it be a good thing that instead of actually pushing out the clutch we arrange help when the throttle was closed to the extent of 40/60% leaving enough clutch spring pressure for coasting and luffing up. U.S.A. The American often does things as novelties to press sales and abandon them afterwards. Delage. Delage straight eight is said to be the best they have ever done. Our car here is much admired. The shape at the rear and the leather of the roof seems the best we and our friends here have seen - credit largely due to Ev.{Ivan Evernden - coachwork} and Park-Wards. The riding qualities are a great improvement. Engine power and speed go without saying but we have not tested this much. Dodd was altering (slacking) the engine dampers (torque reaction) which I thought were already too slack as the frame twisted with the road, so I asked him to really tighten them which is the only condition they are worth fitting. I think that the car is no worse for vibrations, booms, etc. and better for twists. Letter about C.I. to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Rg.{Mr Rowledge} and you posted tomorrow. Glad you have Dr. Underwood. We will send you some rough drawings before spending much time. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||