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 failure of Firestone rims during tests, the subsequent cancellation of an order, and arguments for reconsidering the decision.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 42\4\ Scan135 | |
| Date | 25th June 1920 | |
| X.3894 6 Cy2 - G 25620 June 25, 1920 RECEIVED 10 JUL 1920 AD To: Rolls-Royce Ltd., Attention: Mr.F.H.Royce. Copies to Mr. Hives ✓ Mr. Bailey Mr. C.Johnson From: Mr. Olley. LGH24 X.Squeak Re: Rims X.3894 On receipt of Mr. Hives' letter Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} 1/LG 19.5.20 reporting the failure of Firestone rims on high speed road tests, we cancelled our order for Firestone rims for imported cars. COPY We have since had several visits from the Firestone representative in this district who is very anxious to convince us that our judgment against Firestone rims should be reconsidered. The attached copy of a letter from the Vice President of the Company to their representative may prove of interest. The Packard, Locomobile, Pierce-Arrow (partially) and practically all leading American makes, fit Firestone rims, their engineers stating that they have no complaints from customers of tyres coming off on the road, or of accidents through rims coming loose. Mr. Vincent of the Packard Co. writes:- "We have always used the Firestone rim -- ----- as this rim (on wood wheels) will stand the most abuse, will always run true and is rather easy to handle. I therefore do not think you would make any mistake in | ||