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).
Letter discussing steering difficulties with balloon tyres at high speeds, comparing experiences with Nash and Pierce Arrow cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\2\ Scan177 | |
| Date | 12th October 1925 | |
| S/W. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Re: Messrs Wiklunds - and Balloon Tyres. In reply to a circular letter sent to Traders recently, prohibiting the use of these on the front wheels of XX Chassis with F.W.B's, the above wrote in reply, to say that their Managing Director, Mr. Salmson, had driven big American Cars with Balloon Tyres - and last year, drove an open big 'Nash' with 7.30 Balloon Tyres with quite satisfactory results. They pointed out that this Car had F.W.B's but that they had had no difficulty with the steering or the brakes. In reply to their letter, I asked what speeds they had driven the Car, because our difficulties with the steering on Chassis with Balloon Tyres and F.W.B's did not occur until speeds in excess of 50 m.p.h. were attained - and mentioned that from information before us, out experience in this direction was not by any means singular on Cars so equipped and capable of high speeds. Out of interest, I attach copy of their reply of the 5th instant and in view of their remarks about the 'Pierce Arrow' steering, I thought possibly you might think it worth while to try and get hold of one of these Cars to see and try. Enc: SG.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} | ||