50's road racing - headlight covers

[DavidLaver]

It was the headlight covers that caught my eye in this photo.  I also couldn't work out what was going on with what looks like a single spot light in the middle.  It could just be the way the light catches it but to me it looks a bit like a telephone dial.  (What's a telephone dial dad?)  Click on the photo for what I think is a better version.  What's "missing" is the overhead wiper - not for Mexico.  I've never got to the bottom of what exactly got fitted to B20s and the like.  Just "another" or a boat or aircraft type?  Was it a spare for when the standard one break or the primary?

http://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/snapshot-1952-last-fuel-stop-desert?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Auction%20Time%20in%20Arizona%20E&utm_content=Auction%20Time%20in%20Arizona%20E%20CID_fd67e1b7ed6af2311cc437ee1ec592ab&utm_source=newsletter

David

[mikeC]

Interesting... I wonder whether the centre spotlight is, in fact, some kind of horn - siren, even! - to blast the  locals out of the way!

[stanley sweet]

Never seen anything like that before. Is it possible it was to engage a starter by turning the crank over if all else fails?

[frankxhv773t]

I did some browsing on Carrera Panamerica 1952 Ferrari for images and came up with these. They don't answer the questions but may stimulate debate.

[DavidLaver]

Maybe that "light" is in fact for inflight refuelling...

[fay66]

Just blown the picture up and there's a label that says "insert Starting handle here in emergencies"

Brian
8227

[frankxhv773t]

I wonder why this is the only one of the team cars that has this fitment.

[stanley sweet]

.............unless it spins and cuts the bodywork and tyres of the car in front? How can we find the answer? This is bugging me now.

[DavidLaver]

I'm wondering if it was to signal.

David