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).
Issues with non-standard wheels and tyres on the 'New Phantom' Chassis No. 8-EX, delaying testing.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 67\3\ scan0317 | |
| Date | 5th November 1925 | |
| C O P Y. To CJ. from BJ. BJ1/D5.11.25. "New PhantomCodename for PHANTOM I" Chassis No. 8-EX (Modified Steering). With reference to the attached report, in conversation with CWB. I understand that the front wheel rims were of the well-base pattern, which is not standard, and the front tyres were not standard, being 6" diameter, namely, 1" larger diameter than our standard, and with a totally different pattern of tread, which incidentally is extremely noisy. Under these circumstances, it is felt that no serious comparison between this car and what would be our standard could be made, and it was, therefore, not considered desirable to retain the car in England for more prolonged tests, as arrangements had been made for it to cross to France today. It was, therefore, decided to leave the matter of any serious comparison in abeyance until the second car, which is being prepared for sales officials to test, is sent to London, which we hope will be in about a fortnight. The information concerning the reduction of ground clearance of certain parts is of extreme importance in view of the fact that we are selling about one-fifth of our total output to oversea countries in many of which good ground clearance is perhaps the greatest essential of all points on the car. B.J. | ||