RP De Luxe - Spare Wheel Cover

[Frank Stoll]

Hello,
after I had read that the RP De Luxe version had a spare wheel cover, I tried to find more details about this additional feature. 
What were they originally made of?
What did they look like?
Do some original pieces still exist?
Are they available as reproduction parts?
I know that in the mid-nineties I thought about buying one of the versions that had a reflective triangle printed onto it, but....
Regards
Frank

[Tony Griffiths]

A very good question indeed. I wonder if an original survives? http://www.archive.a7ca.org/wp-content/u...R_1118.pdf

[Frank Stoll]

Thanks for the link, many times this gadget is mentioned but I have not yet seen a historic photo or a surviving example. I have already contacted a German seamstress to reproduce a tool wrap from the information provided by some Austin Seven enthusiasts, they could also work on this project, but... Information and details needed...

[Ivor Hawkins]

I have seen a photograph here on the forum (or perhaps the old one) showing a spare wheel cover and unless my mind I’d playing tricks on me, I think it is a period shot.

It was an RP parked on the verge and I have a feeling some ladies were enjoying a picnic...I shall see if I can find it.

[Mick Hobday]

In the Austin Magazine for 1934 there's a fine looking one advertised by Wilmot Breedon as an after market accessory, obviously with the approval of Longbridge.  Very few seem to have survived so I doubt that it was ever fitted as standard. 
Possibly it was briefly planned for the Deluxe saloon so it had a mention in the sales spec above.
If a spare wheel cover was a standard fitting on the new car then I would have thought that a good few would have survived, whatever material was used.


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I was lucky enough to find one many years ago and now have it fitted to my  AH Tourer.


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[JoeRowing]

That's a handsome thing!

[Ivor Hawkins]

Wonderful! The first one I’ve seen apart from the catalogue shot

[Colin Cooke]

I saw one for the first time, at the centenary. It's a wonderful looking thing, but the owner confirmed that it made changing wheels very awkward.

[David.H]

Back in 1958 I had an Austin ten Clifton (1935) rwo seater with dickey and it was fitted with such a cover. Not so all enveloping,but with the polished strip. I always thought it was original , certainly no aftermarket badge on it.

[Frank Stoll]

Hello,
that's rather surprising. I have been looking for a fabric solution all the time. Perhaps even similar material used for the roof. Something luxurious like that - even for aftermarket products - did not come to my mind.
The spare wheel cover is mentioned as an item for the RP De Luxe in later catalogues and although the illustrations in the catalogues are not very reliable, catalogue BR_1030B shows something that is certainly not a rubber tyre... it could be interpreted as a high gloss cover and a chromed ring.
Would be very pleased if the "picnic-photo" mentioned by Ivor could be found somewhere... 
Thank you for the detailed information provided so far.
Regards
Frank