From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Article from 'The Motor' magazine describing a custom-built, camouflaged Ford called 'The Maiflower 20'.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61a\1\ scan0064 | |
| Date | 31th March 1920 | |
| March 31, 1920. 411 The Motor THE MAIFLOWER "20." A Cleverly Camouflaged Ford of Very Attractive Appearance. IT seems to be the chief aim of some Ford owners to camouflage their cars as much as possible, but, try as much as they will, it is very rarely that the desire is achieved to the fullest extent. Of late, however, we have seen some very clever attempts at camouflage, but by far the cleverest and neatest attempt in this direction that we have yet seen is the design of Capt. A.{Mr Adams} I. Flower, of the Vulcan Engineering Works, Quay, Gloucester. "Spidery" Appearance Eliminated. By fitting an English two-seater body of his own design, Capt. Flower has so altered the appearance that the camouflage is difficult to detect, notwithstanding the fact that the standard type of radiator is retained. To look at the car it is difficult to realize that it is a Ford, owing to the clever way in which the usual “spidery” appearance has been overcome; in fact, the height of the car from the ground to the top of the windscreen is only 4 ft. 4 ins. This fact alone gives some idea of what a radical alteration has been made. A Body with Ample Leg Room. Finished in green and upholstered in pegamoid to match, the body is well-built, and has a double dickey seat. There is ample leg room, whilst the seats have been sloped back so that an extremely comfortable riding position has been secured. The steering column has been “raked” to suit the low position of the seats, and the emergency brake lever has been moved into a central position, thus giving unobstructed entry either side. The usual magneto and throttle control are retained, but a “Connecticut” master vibrator is fitted. The ignition and electric lighting is the Ford standard. The bonnet is in three pieces, the two sides being hinged at the bottom, while the top lifts up in a similar way to the Daimler. Domed wings and side valances further add to the deception, while the front springing—very difficult to conceal—has been camouflaged by fitting oil-proof gaiters, while the front number plate has also been brought to help hide this part. Lynton disc wheels with detachable rims further enhance the appearance, and they are fitted with 30 in. by 3½ in. tyres, while the spare rim and tyre are carried at the rear of the car. Autovac Feed. The rear axle, which is notably the most difficult part of the Ford to cover up, has been completely hidden by the petrol tank, which is filled from the floorboard of the dickey seat. The fuel is taken to the carburetter by means of an Autovac. [Image of a two-seater car with a man at the wheel. The license plate reads FH 1495] The Maiflower “20” with the designer, Capt. A.{Mr Adams} I. Flower, at the wheel. The dimensions of the car when altered are :—Overall length 12 ft. 6 ins., wheelbase 9 ft., road clearance 6½ ins., bonnet 2 ft. 6 ins. long, running boards 6 ft., seats 3 ft. 6 ins. wide, while the total weight is under 15 cwt. Chassis Lengthened by Several Inches. These dimensions, it will be noticed, are considerably more in length than the standard Ford chassis, and are attained in a very simple and ingenious way, while the universal joint is relieved of practically all angular motion, owing to the straight-through drive obtained by the alterations. On the designer’s car additional fittings are a Dyer atomizer, and Mamet shock absorbers fore and aft, which, we were informed, greatly increased the general comfort. This ingeniously camouflaged Ford, which is known as the Maiflower “20,” sells complete for £370, including a full equipment of tools, etc. Those desirous of possessing a really sporting type of car have only to send a Ford chassis to the works at Gloucester, when it will be altered in the short space of four weeks like the one illustrated on this page. F11 | ||