Mesh Grill trivia question
#1
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have never really been a big fan of the chromed mesh grills and, to me, the bigger they are the more obnoxious they look (think Chrysler 300). Anyway, I have accepted the fact that these are now de rigueur to show that your car has oomph.
I know that Jaguar first had these back in 1998 (I believe) with the introduction of the XKR but my question is whether or not Jaguar was the first manufacturer to have a mesh grill on a production car?
Doug
I know that Jaguar first had these back in 1998 (I believe) with the introduction of the XKR but my question is whether or not Jaguar was the first manufacturer to have a mesh grill on a production car?
Doug
#2
#3
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I found that the production 1937 Morgan 4/4s came with mesh grilles: ![](http://www.britishracecar.com/CarltonShriver-Morgan-44/CarltonShriver-Morgan-44-BE.jpg)
The wire mesh radiator grille was standard until late 1938, but available as optional equipment until WWII. The image (and other great images) can be found @ http://www.britishracecar.com/Carlto...-Morgan-44.htm . I am sure there is something earlier but as far as mass production goes I think this may be the earliest. Even though I don't consider Morgans mass production there were certainly more of them produced than Bugattis.
![](http://www.britishracecar.com/CarltonShriver-Morgan-44/CarltonShriver-Morgan-44-BE.jpg)
The wire mesh radiator grille was standard until late 1938, but available as optional equipment until WWII. The image (and other great images) can be found @ http://www.britishracecar.com/Carlto...-Morgan-44.htm . I am sure there is something earlier but as far as mass production goes I think this may be the earliest. Even though I don't consider Morgans mass production there were certainly more of them produced than Bugattis.
#4
#5
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You are correct! 1921-30 Bentley 3 litre, below from http://rrab.com. I think the early (1907) Rolls Royce may have had a mesh grille too. I am trying to confirm but cannot find a good picture. Note that a lot of early pre-war cars seem to have some sort of mesh grill: Mercedes Simplex, etc.. But it appears that Bentley was the first to consistently use it and in fact is part of it's branding. (seems like an obvious answer now)
![](http://www.rrab.com/bentley/3-10.jpg)
#6
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
That's interesting. When I was thinking about this I was not considering the 1930s era but, rather, more recent vintage. A lot of things go in and out of style and regarding the latest resurgence of the mesh grill, I still think that the XKR was one of the earliest for this iteration.
Doug
Doug
#7
Trending Topics
#8
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
aholbro1
XJ XJ6 / XJR6 ( X300 )
17
08-05-2021 05:02 AM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)