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).
Standardisation of a rear-mounted wheel and luggage carrier for the Phantom 7-EX model.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\2\ scan0075 | |
| Date | 18th December 1926 | |
| To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} DA.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} } FROM R.{Sir Henry Royce} SALES. c. to BJ. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} PN.{Mr Northey} c. to BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} CWB. C. /8400 R2/M18.12.26. RE. PHANTOM - 7-EX AT LE CANADELHenry Royce's French residence. X. 8992 WHEEL AT REAR AND LUGGAGE CARRIER. X. 8600 X. 8400 This should be standardised as soon as possible. It is much better than can be done by the coach-builder, because he cannot afford to put the time and thought that we have given it. It is also a very desirable arrangement to improve the riding qualities of the car, being the most effective way possible of - (1) Moving the centre of gravity further back. (2) Reducing the weight on the steering wheels. I believe that usually for ordinary small journeys up to 100 miles, one spare wheel, and one or two inner tubes, are all that are needed, and this will be my practice. This wheel would always be carried on the back except when luggage is carried in that position, when the spare wheel will be changed to the side position, one of which at least should be always fitted. In my eyes the above fitting is by far the best I have seen on our, or other, cars. It will be realised that it is the outcome of several attempts, and is like our side wheel carrier, too valuable to be wasted. The smaller sized tubes are a great improvement in appearance. It was well tested on the journey here - a heavy box, 80 m.p.h. at times and rough French roads. R.{Sir Henry Royce} | ||