An illuminated 'I' light at last

[chriswgawne]

Over the years I have found that at Padova in particular and other Italian auto jumbles in general, the best way to find that long sought after part is to finally give up, relax and just wander around.
Ever since we bought our B12 a few years ago , I have searched unsuccessfully for a rear facing 'I' which is usually mounted either dead central on the boot lid or lower down in line with the number plate lights. This 'I' aftermarket badge dates I think from the 40's and 50's and was used to show that when abroad, the vehicle was from Italy. Not a common occurrence back then I imagine and certainly an oval black and white 'I' (like our old GB plate) started to be used in the late 50's and 60's
On our car there was the faintest witness marks of a previously fitted badge but the holes had been filled in properly and then the bootlid was blown over.
so, having failed to ever find one of these badges of any size in any condition for sale I was wending my way to the exit in Hall 7 when I espied one.
And amazingly it was new and unused, complete and of sufficient size to have the correct presence on our B12 bootlid……..and the mounting stud hole centres appeared to be correct.....and as a bonus it was illuminated!
Yesterday I fitted the light and to my mind it looks rather good. Anyway I think so as does Jacky so we are both happy.
Just goes to show if you look for long enough you will find one of what you want.
Chris   
 

[stanley sweet]

Excellent - a very nice touch.

[williamcorke]

Well done Chris. I've been looking for one of those for a while for my B10, which still has the holes in the bootlid for one, not filled in, so something has to be found to be mounted.

I've collected photos of various types of 'I' like yours and until I find an original one of the right type, I'm going to mount a modern cast aluminium letter that I bought recently on ebay, designed for use on a front door or similar, but the typography is suitable so I'm hopeful it will look OK. The rear will have to be ground down to match the profile of the panel on the car.

[the.cern]

Patience is rewarded!! What a find ...... and yes, you are right, it really does look the part!!

                                  Andy

[Brian Long]

Years ago amongst bits and pieces that I bought from Graham(?) Aylett was this pressed metal 'I' plaque. Nowhere near as smart as an illuminated one but nonetheless, discreetly mounted, it does display a bit of the B12's Northern hemisphere lineage... to those in the Antipodes who know what it represents!

[Parisien]

Looking very smart and fitting for your  B12 Chris. I've had slightly the polar experience with my B12. When photographed for sale on ebay it had a period oval plate on the boot with the single letter "P" on it.

When it got as far as me the plate had been removed, and despite several requests it wasn't forthcoming!

P