Arrol Johnston Wheel
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The spare wheel from the 1907 Arrol-Johnston motor
car brought to the Antarctic by Shackleton on his 1907-09
Nimrod expedition, but with which he enjoyed limited success
- a wheeled vehicle of that vintage proving unsuitable for
use on most types of snow and ice, engine cooling and overheating
was the main problem. The wheel was left behind at the Cape
Royds hut.
This is a front wheel as front wheels had 10 spokes and rears had 12. What happened to the car is unknown, it may have been returned home or left behind in Antarctica.
The Arrol Johnston car before being taken to Antarctica
Photo; © Mike Usher - Pictures from an icebreaker cruise to Eastern Antarctica.