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 to The Marquess of Cholmondeley regarding the performance and characteristics of new, larger tyres.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 89\4\ scan0177 | |
| Date | 6th November 1937 | |
| 261(3) Rm{William Robotham - Chief Engineer}4/R.{Sir Henry Royce} 6th November, 1937. To the Most Honourable The Marquess of Cholmondeley, 12, Kensington Palace Gardens, LONDON. W.8. My Lord Marquess, Thank you for your letter of November 5th. We have had a certain amount of trouble with these big tyres, because originally they were extremely noisy. We have also been endeavouring to improve their cornering ability, so that we can get full advantage from the increased section. We have very nearly decided on the tyre we want, but the Suppliers are not yet in production with it. In view of this fact we would rather wait until we get the final tyre before we submit it to you. If, however, you want some, particularly for a short test, we could let you have them. With regard to your queries:- (1) The effective circumference of these tyres is 1.7% greater than standard. It is, therefore, reasonable to expect that they will reduce the acceleration of the car by this amount. (2) On Brooklands we have measured an increased speed of 1 mile per hour, but would attribute this mainly to the fact that the car held the track better. (3) In our opinion these tyres do improve the springing, comfort, road-holding, cornering and braking of the car. They do, however, make the steering slightly heavier for parking. | ||