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).
Internal memorandum discussing the selection of wheels and tires for the U.S. market, specifically American versus English rims.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 42\5\ Scan064 | |
| Date | 16th July 1930 | |
| X 38715 To: Mr. C. Worsy (struck through) C. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} (struck through) From: Cy. C. Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} Oy2/DM.{D. Munro}16.7.30. Wheels and Tires. ----------------- Replying to Whr{Mr Wheeler}14/NW.{N. Walker - Patents}15.7.30. Ross has now replied to my cable and memo, suggesting preliminary use of standard 20 x 7 wellbase rims and tires as follows:- "--- We have very thoroughly gone over the question of wheels and tires and have decided that we must have either - drop center rims of the American type, that is, with .810 ledge width - or else a straight side American rim. "Tires are not made as a regular thing in this country to suit the English Dunlop drop center rim. "We further believe that it is quite essential that we use the 19 x 7 tire as we are the only ones now using the 20" rim (in the U.S.) and of course the appearance is much better with the smaller tire". That is, America do not believe it would be sound policy to have any considerable number of cars imported into the U.S. with the present English 20 x 7 drop center rim. Mr. Ross also suggests - "When the second experimental car is received here, we can do some further experimental work on tires, although it is quite possible that the heavier U.S. tires that we have already sent to you will prove satisfactory". These are straight side 19 x 7 tires of heavier section than those originally supplied. Mr. Hives has agreed to try these tires and find whether they are any better for steering than those originally supplied. I have written to Mr. Paull of the Dunlop Co. asking for such further information as they can give us to help us to reach a decision on this subject. cont'd.{John DeLooze - Company Secretary} | ||