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).
Feasibility and implications of fitting larger tyres to Mr. Geoffrey Smith's Bentley.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 90\2\ scan0070 | |
| Date | 23th March 1937 | |
| 261 W/S. C. from Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry{Shadwell Grylls}4/R.23.3.37. Re: Larger Tyres on Mr. Geoffrey Smith's Bentley. The larger tyre of which we have most know- ledge is the 6 x 17, which Lp.{Mr Lappin} has had on his car for about 8,000 miles. On an experimental car at the Works we have some 6½ x 17 tyres, but they necessitate a lower axle ratio to get back the performance. Our experience with the 6 x 17 tyre is that to get the same degree of handling the tyres have to be blown up to such a pressure that they are no more comfort- able than the existing arrangement. We see no reason why Mr. Geoffrey Smith should not try larger tyres. If he wished to try either of the two sizes mentioned, it would be necess- ary to fit to the car special 17 x 4" rims; these latter are exactly the same as on the Wraith. A set could be obtained for Mr. Smith in about three weeks. At the moment, we have no spare wheels of this size in the Experimental Dept. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/Gry.{Shadwell Grylls} | ||