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).
Use of Dunlop semi-balloon tyres on a 'New Phantom' and the associated risk of steering wobble.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\2\ Scan182 | |
| Date | 14th January 1926 | |
| X4565 PN{Mr Northey}4/DN14.1.26. TO Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} FROM PN{Mr Northey} Lord Montagu tells me he is proposing to run down to the South of France with his "New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I" fitted specially by the Dunlop Co. with semi-balloon tyres - front tyres will have an air pressure of from 40 - 45 lbs. He asks me what information we may have or remarks to make on this proposition. So far, the view I have expressed to him, subject to confirmation, is that with the tyres at present supplied by us as standard, and with the tyre pressures advised where coupled with carefully balanced wheels throughout, there should be no likely risk of steering wobbles set up at any speed within the capacity of the car. If, however, Lord Montagu wishes to make this test, it will not be at his own expense. He will probably benefit considerably from the additional comfort derived from the larger tyre, lower air pressure, on rough roads, provided that he is willing to keep his average speed down or perhaps more correctly, if he is willing to keep his highest speeds below the limit, which he will soon ascertain is necessary if tendencies to steering wobbles are to be avoided. It might be interesting information for us to know that with these tyres on the "Phantom", a drive through France can be made comfortably at certain average speeds without risk of wobbles, and that such risk does not arise until after the car has achieved a certain speed. Do you agree with this view which I have stated, because I will communicate with Lord Montagu again if we have any strong views of a somewhat different nature. | ||