That kind of defeats the air flow design of the spats. But I kinda like the looks. Just a little different.

Uh, yeah...plus I can't imagine a car so equipped was ever driven enthusiastically!

There's a good reason why there are so few original spats around...most people just did not like the way they looked, myself included. Making the cutout for the wire wheel nuts makes them look even more ridiculous. But, some people like them, so to each his own.

As far as spats improving aerodynamics, I don't know if they are that effective. If they were, I'm sure that they would have been installed by those racing TR3s...I've never seen a race TR3 with spats, and that includes those in sprint races where they wouldn't be making any tire/wheel changes. Although, who knows, someone has probably tried it.

I just think that they are more of a styling statement, such as these bubble skirts on a '57 Ford.

If you like them, go for it! They're just not my cup of tea.

I think they only really good in conjunction with the hard top,luggage rack,maybe Lucas fog lights. Overall affect is reminicent of a Bugatti or Jag from back in the day. A few years back a guy put a set of spats on Ebay.He had rescued them from a dumpster behind a Triumph Standard dealership that was packing it in years ago. Shows how popular they were back then...couldnt give em away. Ironically they sold for something like $3000 because they are so rare.

The MKII Jaguar had spats that had cutouts to make allowance for the spinner for the wire wheels. I've been scouring the internet to find a picture of a MKII with them for an example but can't find any pics.

Howdy Folks,

I was just driving thru & wanted to say "What a Great Looking TR"! My `57 TR3 is scheduled for Pick-Up & Delv. 12-05-09. "Can`t Wait" to begin the Restoration Process (Driver Restoration).

See Y`All Later,

Russ

Hi Folks,

I had a `57XK140 Rdstr with "Disc Wheels & Spats". I liked the look both ways (On & Off)on the Jag. I also saw some Saloons with "Wire Wheels" & Cutouts for the Knock-Offs. Did`nt look all that bad but not for me. On a TR with the cutouts; Personally I don`t care for the look. It appears as though someone made a mistake & tried fixing it.

Just a passing thought. Its "Whatever" turns you on.

Regards, Russ

The Roadster Factory used to sell fender spats about 15 years back - part # 552083 at $299.95 per set. They might just have a pair still in stock, or the patterns to make them up, if contacted.

TRF also had the fitting hardware, which was a bit tricky with spring loaded clips, so it would be a bonus to find those items off the shelf.

Viv.

I suspect they assisted in reducing drag as the factory used them when doing speed runs. They did work as inividuals that ran them had problems with rear brakes overheating thus air was not entering the area.
I suspect most rally'ers and racers did not use them due to the added time/difficulty in changing tires and the brake issue.