Weird tray on the back of roadsters

This is something I've always wondered about and never been able to find the answer to. Today I believe I spied a Z4 roadster with something similar on the back, and I need answers! I can't bear not knowing any longer.
What's with the weird tray on the boot of the MGs and things? Like so:
[IMG]http://www.diseno-art.com/images_2/1977_MGB_Roadster_rear.jpg[/IMG]

My only guess is that it's trying to increase storage capacity on a car that's obviously lacking. Like a roof rack. But do people actually tie their bags to those things?!

I guess that is a ''yes'''.

Yup, that's a luggage rack...

I still find it's pretty weird. It looks strange dangling off the back. And I don't think they get used often enough to justify it.
Guess they weren't so cryptic after all.

It's indeed a luggage rack as NSX says.

I have also seen it being used with a suitcase fastened in it.

[quote=Ferrer;1001813]I have also seen it being used with a suitcase fastened in it.[/quote]

That was used by you, because you are in fact, an old British man at your core.

[quote=Kitdy;1001814]That was used by you, because you are in fact, an old British man at your core.[/quote]
Well I already drive a British roadster (made in Japan) and say bonnet and lorry... so, may, maybe that's the thing.

Devoted anglophiles will insist that they make their holey, cramped, and unreliable roadster practical. They are largely a styling feature, though.

My car very practical and spacious. A medium-sized human fits in the boot, making it technically a 3-passenger vehicle, and then where am I going to fit my luggage?

The luggage rack, best invention ever, I tell ya!

[SIZE=1](I'm not kidding with the human in the boot malarkey. I have photographic evidence)[/SIZE]

Practical for many of the cars of that era where the boot was barely large enough for one suitcase for a week travelling. So the "boot rack" :) Commonly with ski fittings too !!

[quote=f6fhellcat13;1001817]Devoted anglophiles will insist that they make their holey, cramped, and unreliable roadster practical. They are largely a styling feature, though.[/quote]

Haha, looks like a rumbler seat!