8 replies to this topic

[Turbo Nick]

had a visit from a mate tonight who spotted my spare wheel at the side of the garage.

Apparently it's from a '59 car and pretty rare? the centre of the wheel is held on with rivits rather than weld.

I'd never noticed but he seems to think they're pretty sought after, is he right?

If so how much are they worth and does anyone want to buy it, lol.


it's the same as this one

Edited by bud666, 15 October 2009 - 08:38 PM.

[Dan]

They are in demand from Mk1 councourse adicts but only really for cossetted and trailered cars that nobody drives! For your own sake, don't use that wheel. There was a reason they are rare, they weren't in use long. Some of them collapsed during the press launch of the Mini when they were only days old.

[taffy1967]

I'd imagine someone on here would be very interested?: -

The 1959 Mini Register link

But it may be rare as early Mini wheels had a habit of falling apart (cracking?) when put under strain like on the race circuit or chucking it around corners etc.

That's why safer wheels were developed and stamped with a little 'MG' stamp to state how they were suitable for competition use.

[taffy1967]

You beat me to it Dan.

[Turbo Nick]

looks like i best grab a can of tyre weld for the weekend then and leave the spare in the garage!

will have to stick this one up on ebay then i guess. cheers chaps

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Wasnt it these ones that had the problem of the whole center of the wheel Snapping away from the rest? I remember seeing one of my dads old videos of a Race at brands hatch and it happened.

[Dan]

All it takes is for one of the rivets to start flexing while you're driving and yes, the whole thing tears itself apart.

[Ivor Badger]

The riveted wheel was made into the early 60s, posibly replaced as late as 63/64. The rivets didn't fail, the centre failed around the wheel nut holes in the flat area around the base of the nut boss. The wheel was modified with a thicker metal centre. I think it might have Rubery Owen who made them and the wheel stamped RO to distinguish them from the earlier thin wheel.

[Pauly]

Get it on the 'bay mate .

Paul.