Gary, Linwood,
Apparently I may have been wrong about the holes being just in tricarbs and
just on the carburetor side....But it appears that on some 6 cylinder models,
there were these holes for ventilation purposes. -This is not surprising,
since throughout Healey manufacture, they showed a preoccupation with getting
lower temperature air to the carbs... (100s, 100M, vented flash on 100s etc.)
There is an apparent conflict in the Anderson/Moment book regarding the "vent
holes" in the fenders.
On the 100, Page 42: "Both style fenders had long thin ventilation opening cut
into them, which was covered by the chrome fender flash"
The 100, page 45: "The 3 studs are angled so that the flashes have a gap along
the lower edge...."
The 6 cyl roadsters, fender, page 90: "the ventilation opening under the flash
was deleted..."
And 6 cyl roadsters, page 94" the flashes were carried over from the 100
without change" and "On the six cylinder cars there was no opening under the
flash"
The gap under the spear/flash WAS originally intended for ventilation... and
apparently all flashes should have the gap. Those that do not must be repros!
However, I have seen enough six cylinder car front fenders (identified by the
swage line) with the vent holes in exactly the same size and location to make
me question the A/M statement that the six cylinder car fenders had no
ventilation opening under the spear... These holes may not be the same shape
as those in the fenders of the 100s, but it seems clear that their intended
purpose is the same.
David W. Jones
'62 Mk II BT7 tricarb
Cumberland, RI USA
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