The plastic is absorbed
09/09/2021
It's hard to imagine today, but it was only a good 50 years ago that the plastic could be seen on the radiator grille of a large series-produced European car. And this car was the BMW2500 or 2800, or possibly the 2800 CS.
From 1969, the radiator grille was made of ABS plastic.
The advantages were explained in Automobil Revue 42/1969as follows :
" The plastic material is about seven times lighter than metal, easy to shape and relatively cheap. The high resistance to impact and heat should prevent damage from minor collisions or stone chipping ..."
It probably didn't occur to anyone at the time to paint the plastic and partially reduce the advantages mentioned above.
P.S. The press photo with before/after was nicely done, you have to admit.
