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 trade-offs of fitting larger tyres to a Bentley, considering ride comfort versus handling and steering.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\2\ scan0072 | |
| Date | 25th March 1937 | |
| 261 W/S. C. from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry{Shadwell Grylls}5/R.25.3.37. LARGER TYRES ON GEOFFREY SMITH'S BENTLEY. C14/C24.3.37. We did not intend to imply that 6 x 17 tyres are no improvement. They are bound to have a longer life than the present tyre, and if one is willing to accept slightly less accurate handling, will give a comfortable ride. Lp.{Mr Lappin} is emphatic that the increase in ride is worth having. We do not think we are really in a position to recommend a customer having 6 1/2 x 17 tyres, because he might complain that the steering will be heavier at low speeds. If Mr. Geoffrey Smith changes to the smaller rim, he can use either the 6" or the 6 1/2" tyre. From our point of view we should be glad to have his opinion of both. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} | ||