G'day Paul

I guess that's likely it; given that the alloy cowl is both
decorative and functional. Perhaps a cover was needed to
stop escape of fan air before it did its cooling job?

I have not been able to find Patent 30128/57 that might have
shed light on the access flap (?).

p.s. Yep, I'm no fan of 'floating' handles either.
It'd be like holding on to a wet bus ticket.
[Probably a good feature on Flymos though.]

All very interesting.
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Jack