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 performance and wear of Avon 'X' ply 6.50' x 16' tyres after severe road trials in France.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 97\5\ scan0069 | |
| Date | 12th February 1939 | |
| TO RH{R. Hollingworth} Report on Avon 'X' ply 6.50" x 16" Tyres These tyres were fitted to 8 BV whilst running roads in France, & have been subjected to a very severe trial. Smooth wet roads, rough gritty tar macadam, fast cornering, rough loose stones & pot hole covered surfaces taken at a good speed, were experienced to attempt to break down the tyre walls. We have been unfortunate with the test of the front tyres owing to eccentric wear, & having to change them to carry out tests on their cover. The rear tyres have remained in their original position for 5232 miles with the exception of the N/S which was punctured by a small nail. (whilst the tyre was practically new) which entered right through the centre of the tread, as has only covered 314 miles. These tyres are not worn out but are quite smooth. We have purposely looked for roads with very bad surfaces, ie. large loose stones, large sharp potholes, & also driven the car on & off curb stones, the distance covered over this class of road is approx' 360 miles. The tyre walls show no signs of cracking or any deterioration after this deliberate misuse, there only being some small shallow cuts in the rubber caused by sharp stones. Cont'd | ||