There is NOT a great deal of confusion regarding these hardtops.
Universal Laminations in London made quality accessory hardtops for the
four-cylinder and six-cylinder roadsters (as well as for a number of other
contemporary cars). They came in small and large window versions, and the
exterior was always covered in leathercloth vinyl. Matching fiberglass-framed
sliding plexi windows were available for the fours. These were not BMC items,
but because the factory didn't offer one of their own, they were "factory
approved" (like the Radiomobile radio) for the four cylinders and the DHMC
offered them on their list.
Later, the factory decided to do their own, and the six-cylinder roadsters
could be ordered with an official (not "so-called") factory hardtop of the
familiar design with the two support bars behind the window. They were made
by Jensens, had their own sales brochure, and could be had in primer or a
range of matching BMC colours outlined in the official BMC colour scheme lists
under the "hardtop" column.
A number of other aftermarket hardtops, as well as other accessories such as
luggage racks, could be had from other companies both here and abroad , but UL
was the "proper" one for the fours. And then there's the transparent
Pexidome.....
Best
Peter
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