MASCOT November - December 2006

Roadster Extras

Bill Haverly

Following the editor's comments in the May-June Mascot on the size of the boot space in pre-war Roadsters, most owners would agree that Singers claims of an extra at large luggage locker are well wide of reality, and a medium sized hold-all is about all that can be squeezed in between spare wheel and boot lid.

But for an extra £2.2s 0d, the new owner could buy a wedge shaped suitcase to fit snugly in the available space - see picture - and still be able to strap down additional luggage on the lowered boot lid.

The custom suitcase sounds like a quality item, being finished in black grained Morocco leather, with chrome-plated fittings and special key locks. After the war, the ex Norman Riddihough high works team car, EDU 150, was bought by Ray Turner of Northampton, who reported that his car still had the custom fitted suitcase, as well as a number of other extras, but this is the only reference I have of one of these suitcases being reported.

As for the mention of sliding glass side screens, also an extra on the pre-war Roadster, there are probably as many in use today as the standard flat framed type. Fans of the heavier glass screens get slightly better weather protection and a choice of fresh air, but tolerate sagging doors, whilst supporters of the lighter celluloid screen do not get quite so good weather protection and their fresh air supply is limited, but they can close their doors n’est ce pas?

For the record, the better quality glass side screen was supplied as an extra on 4 out of 5 of the main Roadster series. The exception was the immediate post WW II 'A' series (1946-49), on which they were supplied as standard equipment, as were leather back seats and a full tonneau cover. Good value in austerity Britain. To round up, the official optional extra equipment that was available for the 1939 Roadster consisted of:

Alternative sliding glass side screens £2.10s.0d.
Tonneau cover for rear seats £1.15s.0d.
Tonneau cover for four seats, with central zip fastener £3. 0s.0d.
Specially shaped suitcase for rear luggage compartment £2. 2s.0d.
Two Aero windscreens fitted in addition to the standard screen £2.18s.0d.
A 'Notek' Type 150 Fog and Traffic lamp with chrome finish £3.12s.6d.
Chromium plated front bumper bar £3. 0s.0d.

It was important to note that these extras could only be supplied at the above prices if ordered with the car in the first instance. So buy now or pay more later!