Why is it called a derby?

[Adamal47]

Why is the derby cover called a derby cover? Is there a derby inside? if so then what is a derby? Just curious.

 

[ultrat]

kinda shaped like a hat......

 

[Adamal47]

Really? is that how it got its name?

 

[ultrat]

now i don't know if its true. but the tin primary on panheads had a more pronounced shape it did look like a derby.

 

[softailhog]

The cover on my 48 panhead definitely looked like a chrome derby hat!

 

[Adamal47]

Mystery solved...anyone have a close up picture?

 

[softailhog]

You can see one here:

Chrome Old Style Derby Cover for 1936-1964 Harley Big Twin - www.debrix.com

 

[HarryB737]

Ya know I've always wondered about that "Derby" thing too, but Thanks to the above mentioned Link... Now I know.... Thanks !!

 

[Jack Klarich]

HMMMMM, looks like a chrome derby hat, my 60 FL had one it leaked a lot of oil:s

 

[Breeze3at]

You can see one here:

Chrome Old Style Derby Cover for 1936-1964 Harley Big Twin - www.debrix.com

That's the perfect picture for this question.
Harleys are full of interesting names for parts. Cowbells, mousetraps, jocky, suicide, maytag (or cowpie) and many more.