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).
Incompatibility of Parsons chains with Phantom III front wheels, particularly those fitted with discs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\3\ scan0157 | |
| Date | 26th January 1937 | |
| F.J. Hardy Please go into this & draft a reply for me to see on P.III Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 1109 Please reply As you are no doubt aware, we have been informed by W. that we cannot use Parsons chains on the front wheels of this model because they are likely to foul the cross steering tube connections, and in consequence tyre grips have been advised. These it is found just have sufficient clearance to permit of their use without any serious likelihood of damage. In consequence we have had to tell people with Phantom III's that they must not use chains in any circumstances, and recommend their consideration of these tyre grips. We have now come up against the owner who has discs on his car, because these grips cannot be used unless the discs are removed. As the grips are only likely to be used in the cases of emergency, and probably a halt called on the road for the purpose of putting them on having run into snow on the journey, it is hardly likely we can expect an owner to take off his discs before he can fit them. One owner has already gone so far as to return the grips he had ordered from us and say he would not remove the discs in order to fit the grips and has come to the conclusion, therefore, that if he is making a journey where he is likely to encounter snowy conditions calling for chains he would not be able to take his Phantom III at all. I think I am right in saying that chains of the ordinary type can be used on a wheel fitted with discs. My reason in writing you is to ask whether you can cause further investigation to be made into this question to see if there is any way whereby continuous chains could be used, so as to overcome this difficulty in connection with discs. We do feel that the matter should not be allowed to rest where it is, as it is a very indefinite position. Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Lwb | ||