Random Thoughts

[Deleted member 8987]

Every so often I recall something....and usually try to look it up.
This one has been nagging me for over 60 years, so thought I'd throw it into the ring.


My Great-Grandmother Velda (allegedly her father paid some guy a fair amount of money to generate a "new" name....might have been for the late 1800's) frequently told me about various automobiles her and Great-Grandad had.

One of her favourite snippets was a"Roosevelt with Torpedo Fenders".

I know what a Marmon-Roosevelt from 1929 and 1930 is, but no matter how I search, "Torpedo Fenders" comes up with all sorts of "hits" with all sorts of photos...none of which matches anything close to any other.

So....photos....what did Torpedo Fenders on a Roosevelt look like that were different than standard looking fenders from late 20's and early 30's?

Oh, yeah.....her next favourite car to discuss was their Pierce Arrow.....

 

[PAUL161]

Possibly the term Torpedo Fenders was a term used by some as a personal identification of long narrow fenders. PJ

 

[DrEntropy]

Check some Canadian terms for torpedo fenders. I think it may be a generic description. Heard it used to describe Golden Hawk front fenders on one of the episodes at The Guild.

...where's JP when we need 'im?!?

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Look up Roosevelt Auto photos, and I see nothing special.

I figure 60+ years of driving me nutz, I'd ask

 

[DrEntropy]

That's why I suggest it's a generic term for rounded fenders outside th' rest of the coachwork.

 

[JPSmit]

Check some Canadian terms for torpedo fenders. I think it may be a generic description. Heard it used to describe Golden Hawk front fenders on one of the episodes at The Guild.

...where's JP when we need 'im?!?

I'm with doc on this one - never heard it as a Canadian term - I suspect torpedo fenders was that generation's version of Corinthian Leather.

 

[Deleted member 8987]

I'm with doc on this one - never heard it as a Canadian term - I suspect torpedo fenders was that generation's version of Corinthian Leather.

interesting.

 

[JPSmit]

OK having said this - a little googling produces this:

https://heacockclassic.com/articles/the-history-of-fender-lines/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torpedo_(car)

 

[Deleted member 8987]

OK having said this - a little googling produces this:

https://heacockclassic.com/articles/the-history-of-fender-lines/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torpedo_(car)

I had read both of those in my research. First one has two hits, both referring to a Torpedo Phaeton.
Second refers to a "torpedo body".

Still not sure of Torpedo Fender.....but aren't seats called squabs?

 

[John Turney]

As you probably know, Ford Model Ts could be had with regular or torpedo fenders: https://www.rootlieb.com/fenders.html

 

[Deleted member 8987]

double post

 

[Deleted member 8987]

As you probably know, Ford Model Ts could be had with regular or torpedo fenders: https://www.rootlieb.com/fenders.html

yeah....but...those are fenders for the torpedo (shaped) body,are they not? Not specifically torpedo fenders, but fenders for the torpedo-shaped body?

Those fenders listed are for touring, hack, roadster, coupe, passenger, and......torpedo.

 

[John Turney]

The torpedo model is a bit longer than the previous model. Main thing is that the fenders were curved rather than flat topped. https://modeltfordfix.com/the-1911-model-t-ford-part-1-the-new-runabouts/

The 9141 Pontiac had torpedo models with longer wheelbase and rear fenders. https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2016/05/1941-Pontiac-Custom-Torpedo/3749713.html

Maybe the Franklin was longer than regular.

 

[Deleted member 8987]

hmmm

https://nebula.wsimg.com/2b2ed471e6...4493EDB42A0ECA4EC&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Flat top. The curved bit is the inner wall to keep mud away from the rounded body

I know about the General Misunderstaning fenders sometime named torpedo....but then you fall into the rabbit hole comparing those, with the T, with photos of the two years of Franklin, and wonder what in the world is the common denominator when you remove all that is different?

 

[John Turney]

You might ask the Marmon Club Roosevelt Tech Expert, Ken Endter – 760-728-6845. Found his name here: https://themarmonclub.com/technical-advisors/.

 

[JPSmit]

This showed up on Hemmings yesterday:

Torpedo Sport - not sure it makes the conversation any clearer but it sure is pretty!

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2018/...-mercedes-benz-680s-torpedo-sport/?refer=news

 

[waltesefalcon]

That is an absolutely stunning car!

 

[NutmegCT]

Stunning yes. Knock-out no.

Now here's a knock-out:

1935 Mercedes-Benz 500K (supercharged)