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).
Safety implications and recommendations for fitting snow chains/shoes to the front wheels of Bentley cars.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 158\1\ scan0148 | |
| Date | 4th November 1937 | |
| -> S/W...Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer} c. to Ey. Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Da.{Bernard Day - Chassis Design} Cx.{Major Len W. Cox - Advertising Manager} Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} JLH. Hll. 1339 C16/C4.11.37 BIG TYRES ON BENTLEY CARS. Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}2/R28.10.37 - ? We have discussed this matter, but before finally deciding would like information upon the following points:- (1) We note in report Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}/FD{Frank Dodd - Bodies} of the 20th October it is said that the snow shoes foul the side steering tube on the offside of the chassis, and the shock damper arm on the nearside. We would like to know what would happen if a customer either ignored our recommendations or did not trouble to read his instruction book, but simply had shoes fitted in a garage. Is he likely to so damage his cross steering tube, for instance, as to make it dangerous? (2) We note you say you do not see any reason why shoes should be fitted at all in the front. This, of course, is an entire reversal of our previous recommendations as set out in the instruction book. The instruction book reads as follows:- "It is inadvisable for chains to be fitted only to the rear wheels for driving over ice or snow. Such a course would be likely to result in loss of steering control on application of the foot brake because the greater adhesion of the rear wheels might cause the front wheels to become locked. Chains should also be fitted to the near side front wheel. They must not be fitted to the off side front wheel, as they would be liable to foul the side steering tube on full lock." We You will note that we do not recommend fitting chains on the offside in front but on the nearside only. We would, therefore, like to know why you feel we should be justified in reversing this recommendation. C. | ||