WTB: early 70’s US sport wheel

[JohnP_02]

Looking for this specific wheel, I believe it’s from around 1970. Same as the euro wheel except for the slits in the spokes are solid not open. Picture below is the exact wheel I am looking for. Would prefer one in good condition. Thanks

 

 

Edited January 30, 2019 by JohnP_02

[Conserv]

John,

 

This is the U.S.-spec version of the optional sport wheel. It was installed on a large number of U.S. cars during the 1970 model year because of some supply disruption regarding the standard (three-spoke, plastic-rim) wheel. This exact wheel, i.e., the U.S.-spec version, was manufactured, at minimum, from 1970 through 1973: I’ve seen examples dated 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973.

 

The original (a.k.a., Euro) version of the sport wheel — oval perforations on the spokes in lieu of oval indentations — was certainly available in 1969 and might have been available in 1968. Some believe it was standard on the 1600ti, but there are 1600ti’s out there sporting the standard plastic-rim wheel, and their plastic-rim wheels look convincingly original.

 

The original “pleather” rim covering is generally in poor to fair condition. If it looks great, it’s probably been recovered, generally in leather — the wheel recovering shops aren’t anxious to recover wheels in vinyl.

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

Edited January 30, 2019 by Conserv

[artbo]

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