The rear lamps changed during TD production, one of the most visually obvious mid-production modifications, and the replacement lamp type carried through to all TF cars. The rear lamp change is a key external identification point for dating a TD, alongside the two-bow versus three-bow hood frame and the cylinder head water passage shape change.
Triangular Rear Lamps, Early TD
Early TDs to chassis TD/21302 were fitted with triangular rear lamp assemblies, Lucas type 471. These three-sided lamps comprise the lamp assembly with glass lens (plastic alternative also catalogued), chrome rim, and lens-sealing gasket. Four lens-securing screws (specific to the triangular lamp), a bulb holder assembly, and a dual-filament 21/5W stop and tail bulb complete the lamp. A push-fit bullet connector provides wiring; a rubber body cushions the lamp against the wing.
The triangular type is specific to early TDs, the round Lucas L489 that replaced it is a fundamentally different lamp.
Round Rear Lamps, Late TD and All TF
From chassis number TD/21303 in October 1952, round Lucas type L489 rear lamp assemblies replaced the triangular type, and the rear wings were modified to suit the different mounting profile. All TFs use this round type. The round lamps mount to the wing on chrome plinths, with a rubber gasket set sealing between the plinth and the wing. Six screws secure each lamp to its plinth.
The complete lamp comprises the assembly with glass lens, chrome rim, dual-filament 21/5 watt bulb, bulb holder assembly, push-fit bullet connector, and rubber body. Each component is catalogued individually for owners requiring partial replacement during restoration.
The chrome plinth, gasket set, and lamp-to-plinth screws complete the mounting hardware.
Rear Reflectors
Two reflector specifications are catalogued. The first is for the TD Mark II, where reflectors were sometimes fitted as a specification-dependent item, rear reflectors may have been fitted to some export cars before they became standard on all cars.
The second is for the TF, where reflectors became a standard external feature from the start of TF 1500 production, making them (alongside the small enamel 'TF 1500' bonnet side badges) one of the two external recognition points distinguishing a TF 1500 from a TF 1250. Both reflector types are round in shape.
Number Plate Lamp
The number plate lamp is a Lucas type L657 single-bulb assembly, mounted centrally above the rear number plate. The complete lamp comprises the assembly, a chrome cover, a clear lens, a rubber gasket sealing the lens to the cover and the lamp body to the wing, a chrome retaining screw, and a 5 watt single-filament BA9s bulb.
The chrome cover, lens, gasket, screw, and bulb are all available individually. The mounting hardware uses No. 10 UNF nuts and spring washers, these are common No. 10 UNF specification fasteners shared with other late TD and TF mounting applications.
LHD Rear Number Plate Mounting
On left-hand drive TDs, the rear number plate and number plate lamp were mounted on the left side of the spare wheel carrier (rather than centrally as on RHD cars), with a handed mounting bracket. On many export cars, the number plate itself was deleted or replaced by a plain bracket, local registration arrangements often provided their own number plate mountings. This LHD-specific arrangement should be noted when ordering number plate lamp mounting hardware for an LHD TD.
Bullet Connectors
The push-fit bullet connector is the original-specification electrical connection for both the triangular early TD lamp and the round late TD/TF lamp. The same bullet connector specification is used throughout, allowing easy wiring continuity for owners servicing the rear lighting installation.
Ordering Considerations
The rear lamp specification is determined by chassis number for the TD: TD to chassis 21302 uses the triangular Lucas type 471 lamp; TD from chassis 21303 and all TFs use the round Lucas type L489 lamp. The two lamp types are not interchangeable, the rear wings differ to suit each lamp profile. Reflectors are a specification-dependent item (Mark II option, TF 1500 standard). The number plate lamp Lucas type L657 is common across both TD lamp specifications and the TF.
Glass lenses are the original specification for both lamp types; plastic lens alternatives are catalogued for the early triangular lamp. The bulb specification (21/5W dual-filament for stop/tail, 5W single-filament for the number plate lamp) is common across all TD and TF rear lighting applications.