Firewall (engine)

The bulkhead is in the automobile part of the bodywork and seals off the passenger compartment below the windshield from. In the front-engine bulkhead closes the engine compartment to the rear.

The function of the firewall is to keep wind, heat, noise and splash of the passengers. In modern self-supporting bodies, the bulkhead has also bracing function.

Spray walls already existed in carriages and early automobiles with rear -or under- floor engine. Here the bulkhead forms the front edge of the body. Sometimes a folding bench seat has been integrated.

Daimler Motor Carriage with bulkhead

Ad for a Knox Runabout (USA, 1905) with a hinged seat, in the bulkhead. The handles for the passengers are clearly visible

Mercedes with visible wooden bulkhead

Bulkhead at a modern car design