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).
Tests concerning the effects of carrying two spare wheels on the Phantom II's steering, skidding, and riding comfort.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 18\1\ Scan033 | |
| Date | 2nd January 1930 | |
| To R.{Sir Henry Royce} From He/Rn.{Mr Robinson} c.c. to SS.{S. Smith} MOR. c.c. to Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} BY.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c.c. to W. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson}1/AJ.2.1.30. PHANTOM 11 SPARE WHEELS. AND RIDING. With reference to Rl/MS/12/29. We have carried out tests carrying two spare wheels at the back, both behind the tube, the object being to ascertain what effect it had on the steering and skidding qualities of the car. SKIDDING. The improved road holding qualities of the rear axle appear to balance the tendency of the back of the car to swing out on corners. STEERING. The only condition where the steering is adversely effected is under maximum load i.e. three passengers in the back, full petrol tank, one cwt of luggage in the box, and the two spare wheels behind the back tube. Under these conditions the car definitely feels tail heavy when cornering. Under conditions of light load i.e. no passengers or luggage, the selectivity of the steering appears to be improved. Road shocks and high speed wobbles are no worse, if anything the reverse. RIDING COMFORT. There is no question that two spare wheels carried behind the back tube improve the riding in the rear seats appreciably, more especially under the most difficult condition for which we have to cater, one passenger on the | ||