MG T-ABC

Hello everyone. I would like to know how to date Lucas fog lamps. I have an early Lucas SFT 462 for my '49 TC. The original, however, has been replaced with a later type.

What I am trying to establish is exactly when did Lucas go from the early to late design of lens.?

Thanks, Ray.

Anders Clausager states in his book 'Original MG T series' that the fog lamp was changed in 1948 from a Lucas FT27 to the SFT462 from TC/4739 on. Clausager doesn't specify when the SFT 462 glass changed from the 'stepped reflector' to the ribbed design.

The issue is a minor detail that should not worry me but for some reason it is like an itch I can't scratch. My car is 1949 and I don't know if it should have an early or late model SFT 462.

A while back I bought an early stepped reflector Lucas SFT 462 in need of restoration. The fog lamp then suffered a freak accident; smashing the ribbed glass. I have had the lamp restored but have only been able to find a later lens with cross hatching.

Complete early fog lamps are occasionally available but for a considerable sum. I don't know if I should keep looking for a replacement early lens or stick with what I have.

Ray, I believe cars from sn. 5000 down had the FT27, your car would be correct with the SF462 as is.

stephen stierman wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:22 am

Ray, I believe cars from sn. 5000 down had the FT27, your car would be correct with the SF462 as is.

Hi. Stephen.

Yes, the Lucas SFT 462 fog lamp is correct for my car but there were two versions. The earlier model had a stepped reflector and simple vertical flutes. The later version eschewed the stepped reflector and had cross ribbing in the glass.

What I want to know is exactly WHEN did Lucas make the change. If it was before 1949 (chassis 10,030) I can use the later glass and reflector which I have. If the change was made after my car was built then I am looking for an earlier glass to replace the broken one.

I apologize Ray, I was misreading your request!

I thought those later lenses were replacement units from the 50s, but I could be mistaken.

Was one lens/reflector and bulb for driving lights and the other lens/reflector and bulb for fog lights?

Steve Simmons wrote: ↑

Mon Mar 13, 2023 10:12 am

I thought those later lenses were replacement units from the 50s, but I could be mistaken.

You may be right because the Lucas catalogue only specified one version of SFT 462. The only problem with the idea is that a different reflector is also found on what I had been led to believe was a later version. Having said that, stranger things have happened.

It would be interesting to establish the facts once and for all.