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).
Confidential letter discussing left-hand steering and a move in the US to standardize 20-inch wheels and tires.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 53\2\ Scan001 | |
| Date | 7th November 1922 | |
| X4565 ROLLS-ROYCE OF AMERICA, INC. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. Oy3-W-11722 November 7, 1922. CONFIDENTIAL Mr. E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} W. Hives, Rolls-Royce, Limited, Derby, England. Dear Hives: Replying to your letter Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}2, undated--- Thanks very much for your letter re left hand steering. Please keep the question of left hand steering alive when discussing the new 40/50 designs. There is a movement on foot here to standardize a 20" wheel instead of a 23" wheel. The wire wheel and tire makers are all for it and are already making them. The tires will be 28x4 (Ford, etc.), 29x4½ (covered Ford, Overland, etc.), 30x5 (Hup, Buick 4, etc.), 32x6 (Rolls-Royce, etc.), 34x7 (fast trucks, etc.). We are getting a set of 32x6 for Belnap, and a set of 30x5 for my Hup. The actual size of a 32x6 as regards rolling diameter is about the same as a 33x5; tire pressure is 40 lbs. instead of 65 lbs. The advantage claimed is, roughly, to get a greater life than the present cords, with the riding qualities of the old canvas tires. The rolling resistance is said to be scarcely increased (not so great as the old canvas tires anyway). Also, freedom from punctures, no breakage of side walls, and a cushioning effect on the wheels when they are stressed by side-skids (due to rolling-over of the tire). Finally, the big gain is said to be increased traction coefficient and virtual elimination of brake jaggers in the rear axle, and consequently, they hope, the defeat of the 4-wheel brake movement in the United States, which apparently frightens the tire makers. | ||