Hi Paul,
Now this has me somewhat rattled. The evidence of darker green underneath points toward it being a much earlier machine than what we think as Alpine Green finished around 1977 when it was superseded by Apple Green. Now the thing that puzzles me is that Rover ID plate which to date I've never seen one fitted on and Adelaide built machine, but then I'm always open to points of evidence that haven't shown up to date for me. I've always felt the Rover style Ally plates were not used until production continued at Eagle Farm, Queensland following on from the end at the Holland Street premises in Thebarton, SA.
As far as the Transfer shaft bearing is concerned Rover changed to a sealed unit and this reduced more costs opposed to the previous self aligning bearing that was used in the earlier SB Model 45's. Note the oiling hole is missing in the housing.
Everything seems to point to an Eagle Farm built machine here, but the darker undercolour that you have revealed is still somewhat puzzling.
Cheers,
BB.
