Mystery magnesium wheels

[ed luce]

I have a set of magnesium rims that came to me on a FB project car, and are of unknown history.

One pair is 13" x 9" and have a 6-bolt x 3-1/2" BC, and the other pair are 13" x 8" with 4-bolt on 3-3/4" BC.

Anybody have an idea as to what these might have fit? Knowing what to call them would make it easier for me to get them to somebody who needs them. (They aren't the right rims for my Lotus 41C project.)

They seem to be straight, etc., no major corrosion, but they are 'rough'. While I don't think that they are suitable for track use anymore, they would be fine for a display car.

[DanW]

These were used extensively in the early 1970s, particularly on Japanese imports. They were sold as aftermarket wheels via retail and as add-ons by new car dealers to pack their profits.

Here is a link to some useful information.

http://zparts.com/zp_html/zptech/com...name_back.html

[EricP]

I had a set of those (or something like those) for my Datsun 510 race car. I’m pretty sure they were American Racing Libre wheels.
The ones you have were considered authentic and better with the extra “web” in the center of each spoke on the back.

[ed luce]

I had a set of those (or something like those) for my Datsun 510 race car. I’m pretty sure they were American Racing Libre wheels.
The ones you have were considered authentic and better with the extra “web” in the center of each spoke on the back.

Thanks for the insight guys!

Ed

[cjahn]

Thanks for the insight guys!

Ed

I am looking for multiple sets of these on 3 3/4 bolt circle. 13" dia. Width is optional. Whatchewgot?

920-904-6099
ctjahn@courtneyjahn.com

[stonebridge20]

These are American Racer Libra wheels.

The extra web are the race wheels.

Libra's without the extra rib are for street use only.

[ed luce]

I am looking for multiple sets of these on 3 3/4 bolt circle. 13" dia. Width is optional. Whatchewgot?

920-904-6099
ctjahn@courtneyjahn.com

Alas, the pair of four on 3-3/4" BC has already gone to a good home (a Lotus 47 project IIRC?) Sorry.

If anyone else is still following this thread, the set of magnesium 'AR Libre', six on 3-1/2" BC, 13 x 8" (as shown above) are still in my shed and free to a good home.

Also, somewhere along the way in the last couple of years,I have been gifted with this pair of magnesium, six on 3-1/2" BC, six-spoke rims, 13 x 9". Said to have come off a Lotus 41, they would certainly fit the car but aren't 'right' for mine. 'Rough', though apparently undamaged, and certainly not suitable for road or track use. Same deal, they are free for the cost of shipping.




One of these days I'm going to get tired of shifting these around and I'll take them in to work to be incorporated into whatever aluminium alloy we are casting that week.

Cheers,
Ed

[Lotus7]

Early Spec Racer Fords (Sports Renault) used a similar style wheel, (can't recall the specific size), maybe possible to track some down.

[J Leonard]

You might let the Barber Museum know you have these. They bought about four old Lotus chassis recently.

[ed luce]

You might let the Barber Museum know you have these. They bought about four old Lotus chassis recently.

Thanks for that thought - I'll drop them a line directly.

Cheers,
Ed

[cjahn]

Those look like the ones dad ran on his old causey!

[ed luce]

UPDATE: Sept 2024. All of these rims have now been either donated to other folks or recycled.
Thanks,
Ed