P38A Weird antenna

Hi all,

I have this weird broken off antenna in the roof of my '99 p38. It has only got 1 rear quarter window with an antenna in btw, the right side. In the roof there's an another antenna with a cable running to the front and going into the dash.





It looks aftermarket to me but I can't figure out what this antenna is for. Anybody any clue? On the internet I found that the radio antenna is in the rear quarter window. I do have an aftermarket radio as well but I guess the stock antenna can be used for that as well?

My headlining is out and I'd like to remove this antenna because of the rust you see on the picture.

CB radio antenna base, not broken off. It’s ready to screw on an antenna of your choice or not, as you choose. You can remove it but it’ll leave a nasty hole. You could put a weather cover on it (used to be available from Thunderpole), scrub and grease the inside of the roof and keep it as period detail!

ar1g3 said:

Hi all,

I have this weird broken off antenna in the roof of my '99 p38. It has only got 1 rear quarter window with an antenna in btw, the right side. In the roof there's an another antenna with a cable running to the front and going into the dash.

View attachment 324799
View attachment 324800
View attachment 324801

It looks aftermarket to me but I can't figure out what this antenna is for. Anybody any clue? On the internet I found that the radio antenna is in the rear quarter window. I do have an aftermarket radio as well but I guess the stock antenna can be used for that as well?

My headlining is out and I'd like to remove this antenna because of the rust you see on the picture.

Click to expand...

The stock antenna works with an after market radio.

As Devonguy says it’s a cb mount ready to go. If you decide to keep the aerial then thunderpole will sort you out. New beehive mount and aerial your good to go…and get an old Amstrad cb901. Good radio set.

Thanks everyone! I'll keep it as a period detail and possible get a CB set on the car some time! I'll reseal the mount to stop the rusting.

Whilst not disputing the answers you've had I'm wondering if it could be for a car 'phone?
My old BMW is from the same period as your RR & still has a working 'phone; if I unscrew the antenna on the rear 'screen the connection looks the same as yours.

norseman said:

Whilst not disputing the answers you've had I'm wondering if it could be for a car 'phone?
My old BMW is from the same period as your RR & still has a working 'phone; if I unscrew the antenna on the rear 'screen the connection looks the same as yours.

Click to expand...

It’s quite possible that earlier mobile phones utilised existing technology as far as antennae were concerned. A pointer might be the existence or absence of mounting holes for the devices but in any case that might give you choices for the future.