Wilmott Breden keys

[Groundes-Peace]

Many thanks for helpful comments. Will let you know how I get on.

[Groundes-Peace]

[142 Guy]

Nice. I do like the original style with the curved chrome trim on the doors.

[Ron Kwas]

142 guy;

When I had those of my '66 off, I noticed the were impressive and quite substantial pieces of chromed solid brass! ...I might call them a "anti side-intrusion structural member" of its day!

Cheers

[142 Guy]

I heard rumour that they were expensive to produce which was the cause for there subsequent replacement with a straight piece of trim. That might have been OK if they had changed the door profile to eliminate the curve in the door sheet metal; but, they didn't. Once you have seen the 1800 with the original graceful curved trim the later cars just look 'wrong'. The fact that the door skin still had the curve made it pretty clear that this was just a cost cutting measure.

[mike gilbert]

Once you have seen the 1800 with the original graceful curved trim the later cars just look 'wrong'.
In your opinion.
The slimmer, longer, straight trim fitted lower down on the post 66 cars and continuing onto the rear wings gives the visual effect of lengthening the car and taking your eye way from the high waistline. The early cars may have more character but the later cars look sleeker.
image.jpg

[mike gilbert]

I ordered a couple of these blanks to have some spares cut and they matched the original key perfectly (though I think the ignition barrel changed for the '64 model year so may not fit the early cars).
https://www.keytrader.co.uk/Vehicle-...Key-Blank.html

[Derek UK]

The locks are either Assa or Neiman. Assa locks have that name on them but I think the Neiman ones are plain. Probably not enough room for all the letters!

[Derek UK]

The locks are either Assa or Neiman. Assa locks have that name on them but I think the Neiman ones are plain. Probably not enough room for all the letters!
Properly cut keys should have 2 small ears that slot into notches on the lock face. They often don't or are worn and that strains the key at that point leading to the common breakages.