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 optimal location for spare wheels on Continental models, considering luggage space, safety, and aerodynamics.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\1\ Scan111 | |
| Date | 6th June 1931 | |
| 87120. PN.{Mr Northey}1/WTS.6.31. RECEIVED 18 JUN S/W. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}..from PN.{Mr Northey} <s>Copy to Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} Ox.</s> Continental type spare wheel location. I am under the impression that the wisest policy which should be pursued in respect of the carrying position for spare wheels on this model is far from being definite at the moment. When a customer buys a Continental type Rolls-Royce, presumably he intends to use it for touring, making use of as high a speed as local conditions enable from time to time. It follows therefore that:- (a) He will be likely to require as much baggage space as possible. (b) He will certainly require two spare wheels. (c) He will expect R.R. to see that the disposition of the weight of these two heavy spares is such that his safety and efficient control of the car are considered before all else. With two wheels on the rear as in the case of 26-EX the luggage spade left is altogether too small to suit many owners, and obviously anything placed at the side of the bonnet looks impossible. As you will remember it is only recently that R.{Sir Henry Royce} has approved of the proposition to carry spare wheels on either side of the bonnet, in this way giving ample room for luggage at the rear. In the case of the trials car now being body-built by Park Ward, 31-GX, the arrangements for luggage and wheel carrying are almost similar to those on 26-EX, with the difference that only one spare wheel is proposed at the back; a second one can be fitted if necessary behind the first one according to any individual requirements, but here again we shall be demonstrating a car which will be carrying only one spare wheel (at the back) and has the same limited luggage accommodation as in the case of 26-EX. Whilst 26-EX has undoubtedly a very good appearance, at the same time there is no doubt that the extremely bad streamlines at the rear, made up of two spare wheels with no streamline covering, must greatly tend to reduce the extent of the higher speeds. | ||