Early S1 bonnet louvres ..... not again !!

[Dean052]

I am getting more confused than ever regarding what type of bonnet louvres should be fitted to my car. Chassis number 860052 this is an October 61 built Flat floor coupe. I thought the bonnet fitted to the car now was original, but i also know it has had more 'hits than Elvis' in its life, I have traced the cars history back to Mary Lyons and her Father-in-law Fred Rimmel.
No owner has admitted to changing the bonnet, but it is fitted with pressed in louvres and it would appear that some people think that cars with chassis numbers later than mine should have welded in louvres. I know the first batch of bonnets with pressed in louvres arrived at the factory in October 1961 so it is possible that my car would have been fitted with either sort originally.
Does any one know when the change was made? has anyone got chassis number 860051 and 860053 as I would love to know what they are fitted with?

Thanks

[PeterCrespin]

Does any one know when the change was made? has anyone got chassis number 860051 and 860053 as I would love to know what they are fitted with?

Thanks

Both on XKEData, neither with a good photo of the louvres, one with a statement it has a louvred bonnet.

[Dave K]

My car is a November '61 and has welded in louvres, it's an OTS so don't know and the chassis numbers line up with the FHC's. Mine is 876160.
It has been said that my car is past the date when welded in louvres were fitted but as far as I can see the bonnet was original.
The fishplates that hold the wings onto the bonnet has the same body number stamped as the body so it all ties up.

Dave

[Dean052]

Thank you Dave,
I have seen your car on XKE data and it looks great.
I have noticed that LHD cars seem to have the earlier louvres later into production, I cant think why this might have been, all the bonnets would have been the same, I assume?
Dean H

[Dave K]

Since no one really knows for sure when the welded in bonnet louvers ended if thats what you want, get one :D

Dave

[Heuer]

According to Clausager the date of change from welded to pressed in louvres was some time in late 1961 and there may have been a period when either type of bonnet was used in production.