The headlamp assemblies differ fundamentally between TD and TF. The TD uses Lucas S.700 free-standing headlamps on stalks, with chrome bowls carrying the 'King of the Road' medallion. The TF uses Lucas F.700 headlamps faired into the front wings, with three-adjuster or two-adjuster bowls by production date. Light units are catalogued in multiple bulb-holder specifications to suit every market and the popular upgrades.
TD Headlamp Assembly
The TD bowl is catalogued in chrome (with 'King of the Road' medallion) or painted. Painted was the standard production finish; chrome with medallion was a common upgrade and popular restoration choice.
The chrome rim secures with wire clips, holding the light unit and rim against the bowl gasket. Mounting hardware comprises a bracket, bolt and nut set, rubber ferrule set, and a nut securing bowl to bracket. Combined headlamp-and-wing brackets are TD-specific, supplied in handed RH and LH with studs and packing pieces.
TF Headlamp Assembly, Three-Adjuster Bowl (Original Style)
Early TF production used a three-adjuster headlamp bowl. The bowl is supplied with a three-screw fixing pattern, an adjuster kit (two adjusters per car), a chrome rim assembly, and a headlamp gasket. This is the correct specification for early-production TFs.
TF Headlamp Assembly, Two-Adjuster Bowl (Later Style)
Later TF production introduced a two-adjuster bowl. The arrangement comprises an outer bowl assembly (complete unit or built up from a metal/plastic bowl with separate inner bowl), a chrome retaining rim, adjuster and spring kit (two per car), gasket, dust excluder, and chrome rim with clip. The lamp mounts to the wing with eight screws, four nuts, and eight each of spring and plain washers.
Light Units and Bulb Holder Types
Three principal light unit specifications are catalogued: BPF (British Pre-Focus, original Lucas), sealed beam, and P45T (a later bulb-holder standard, LHD only). BPF and sealed beam units are catalogued for RHD and LHD. A tripod-style assembly is also catalogued in RHD and LHD for the TF, using BPF bulbs, a popular cosmetic alternative, but not original specification.
Market-Specific Dip Configurations
Both models were supplied with headlamps configured by market, confirm both lamp type and dip when ordering. RHD home and export dipped left from chassis TD/7624 (May 1951); RHD for right-driving countries dipped vertically; LHD dipped vertically except for North America (right) and France (yellow glass). Some USA cars were supplied with empty shells for local sealed-beam fitment, then a legal requirement in many states.
Bulbs
Replacement bulbs are catalogued in multiple specifications. BPF bulbs differ between RHD and LHD. P45T bulbs come in clear, yellow (French), and halogen. H4 halogen bulbs come in 60/55W, 100/80W, Xenon-style 60/55W, and Osram Silverstar 60/55W (up to 50 per cent more light). 100/80W bulbs require relays to protect the light switch contacts; local regulations should be checked.
Halogen Conversion Kits
Halogen conversion kits replace the original tungsten light units with H4 halogen units, the single most effective lighting upgrade for these cars. Two kit specifications are catalogued: a standard kit and a Lucas-branded kit, each available in RHD and LHD versions. The kits include two light units and the necessary bulbs for a complete conversion.
Headlamp Looms and Adaptors
Two headlamp loom specifications are catalogued: a BPF loom and a sealed beam/P45T loom (which also accepts halogen bulbs). Plug adaptors allow lamps and looms of different types to be matched without replacing either component, a BPF plug adaptor fits a BPF lamp to a sealed beam or P45T loom, and a sealed beam/P45T adaptor handles the reverse case.
Accessories
Chrome wire stoneguards protect the seven-inch headlamp glass from road debris, particularly relevant on the TD with its exposed free-standing headlamps. Spare bulb kits are catalogued in P45T and halogen versions. A headlamp beam deflector kit is available for owners taking RHD cars with sealed beam or halogen headlamps to continental Europe.
Ordering Considerations
Confirm model (TD or TF) when ordering. Within the TF range, confirm three- or two-adjuster bowl. Light unit (BPF, sealed beam, P45T, or tripod-style for TF) is customer choice. Dip configuration depends on market.
Bulb specification depends on light unit type. Mounting brackets are model-specific; halogen kits, stoneguards, beam deflectors, and spare bulb kits are common to both.