Reply To: Running board step lamps 1929-1931

[Edgar Minnie]

No Model 43 cars from 1931 ever came with the lights or Spears that I am aware of. Model 42 had the round lights,but many didn’t have any spears………..and I have been studying them for forty years. Again, almost every car 1931 and earlier didn’t come with spears, a very few did, but everyone jumped on the bandwagon and put them on in the early 60’s. While I don’t mind people dressing up their car as they see fit with correct era appropriate items, I can tell you this for certain……..take a car to Pebble Beach and get asked about a splash apron light or any spears, you better have documentation and photos to PROVE it correct, or your going home empty handed. For years people have been adding sidemount covers, mirrors, spot lights, Tripp lights, pilate rays , trunks, step pads, spears, Stone guards, the list is endless……BUT today’s trend is to go back to the pure look of a car in the showroom. I could go on for pages, but the era of the circus wagon are over. Nice suttle and refund upgrades are fine……and appropriate, but the junked up jewelry with incorrect period colors will NOT get you invited to the big shows………IF YOU CARE ABOUT SUCH THINGS! And many people don’t. Remember this is supposed to be FUN! I am intrested in historically accurate cars…..but slight variations for a new owner or a new restoration should be tolerated in the spirit of fair play. And yes……I have some incorrect items on my cars that would not have been done in the era…….It is after all my car…….and during judging I was deducted….AS IT SHOULD BE! And I have no issues with the judges decision.