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).
Tyre noise and the use of 'Specially Silent Dunlop Treads' on Phantom III and 20/25 HP models.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 157\1\ scan0306 | |
| Date | 17th April 1936 | |
| S/W. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm.{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Wcr. c. " Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} c. " E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. " BY c. " Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} c. " ROY.{Sir Henry Royce} Cx{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager}15/KW17.4.36. Tyre Noise on P.III and 20/25 h.p. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}14/KW8.4.36. We are glad to note that Dunlops have agreed to our using what we have previously referred to as the Specially Silent Dunlop Tread on P.III's, which you originally arranged for us to have during the Motor Show period because the then proposed standard tyre was so noisy. What however surprises us so much about the latter half of your memo is that Dunlops are not willing for us to use a similar tread tyre on the 20/25. There seems to be an inconsistency in this policy which we cannot understand, and we should like to see Dunlop's written explanation of how it is they can agree to the use of these tyres on the one hand with a big,heavy,powerful and fast car, and will not agree on the other hand to a similar tyre of smaller size on a lighter and slower car. We are not prepared at the present time to remove these specially silent Dunlop tyres from our 20/25 Trials Cars and send them to Dunlops for examination, but we are perfectly prepared to arrange for them to be seen in London at any time by appointment, when particulars of the mileage done can be provided to Dunlop's representative. As you will have seen from the previous memo I sent you regarding these 20/25 tyres, we are so far very satisfied with the mileage and apparent life of the tyres and also with their silence, and we are naturally very anxious to be able to use these tyres not only for demonstration purposes but for general production also. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} nul | ||