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 poor performance of Rapson tyres and the implications for the company's guarantee.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 39\1\ Scan022 | |
| Date | 20th June 1921 | |
| To B.J. from Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c. to C. c. to FN. X1238 Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}8/LG20.6.21. X1238 X1768 RAPSON TYRES - BJ9/DP11.6.21. Sometime ago we purchased a set of Rapson tyres. We ran these on the Drivers' Demonstration Car and obtained very poor results. The matter was taken up with the Rapson people and they admitted that they had unfortunately received a very bad batch of tyres and offered that they would either refund the money which had been paid for them or supply us with a new set of tyres. At that time it was decided to have our money back. I do not think we should be justified in cancelling our guarantee if Rapson tyres are used. I believe that the real object of inserting the clause in the guarantee was to avoid people using solid tyres, rubber filled tyres, or Palmer Cord tyres pumped to a 100 lbs. pressure. The effect of Rapson tyres on a car is very similar to the effect of the very large 7" Palmer tyres or Warland Rims, owing to the increase in periphial weight. The steering is heavier and the tendency for steering wobbles is increased. We cannot give any reasons why we should be justified in cancelling our guarantee becuase Rapson tyres are used. We would not recommend them because we do not consider they are value for money. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} | ||