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 from Windovers Limited concerning tyre options and road grip for a Phantom III chassis.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 96\1\ scan0068 | |
| Date | 24th February 1937 | |
| COPY Windovers Limited, 62, Conduit Street, W.1. RR/EB. 24th February, 1937. Messrs Rolls-Royce Ltd. 14/15, Conduit Street, W.1. Dear Sirs, Phantom III - Sir Robert Hadfield, Bart. We have to-day received a communication from above client regarding his Phantom III chassis, asking us to arrange with you the following points, which we quote from his letter :- " (1) Dunlop tyres to be cross cut. " (2) Would you give your opinion on the following:- " (a) Two 7" width tyres = 14" road grip. " (b) For four twin tyres each 5" wide = 20" road grip. " In other words, there is 6" less road gripping under the new arrangement. Could this difference be reduced by using, say, 8" tyres or would this mean interference with your body and the Rolls-Royce chassis ? The width of the two tyres would then be 16" which is 2" more. Perhaps you would give us your opinion on this. Sir Robert is not definitely asking for this to be done; he only wishes to know if it is possible. He also wishes to know the relative efficiency as regards non-skidding of the two 7" tyres as compared with his present twin wheels, as he is of the opinion that the twin tyres | ||