Simms, together with Robert Bosch, had now developed a low-tension magneto, but the Daimler engineers were not convinced of the merits of electric ignition. The Daimler Company agreed to carry out tests but it decreased the horsepower of the motor, so was dismissed. Fortunately, E.W. Lewis, the company's chief draftsman, had designed his own contact breaker which proved successful and was fitted to King Edward VII's first car. Lewis later joined the Rover Company and designed their first motor cycle and early cars. The Motor Manufacturing Company that shared the Coventry site with Daimler ran into difficulties, and in 1905 was taken over by Daimler. By this time, the company had consolidated its range of cars to 8, 12, 16 and 22 HP motors all on wheelbases of 6'6" and 7'6" (1981mm. and 2286mm.). By 1906, the range had changed to the 28hp, 30hp and 35 HP, having engine capacities of 6,787cc, 7,247cc and 8,462cc respectively. The board also approved the design of a 50HP engine of some 10.5 litres in capacity, which required someone of considerable strength to start it by hand cranking. |