American Racing Equipment Catalog 9-70

[Arne]

Darn you, Mike! Threads with these pictures of your 15" LeMans seem to reappear every few weeks like clockwork, just to torment me, I'm certain. Maybe I need to start haunting the Triumph forums, seems to me that'd be the most likely place to find a set of these.

[Ron Carter]

I have seen the triumph wheels fairly frequently, although these wheels require constant care as they are magnesium and any moisture will cause them to corode.

So as a daily driver "wheel" they can be difficult to take care of. Even here in Southern California it is challenging.

[Mike B]

I have seen the triumph wheels fairly frequently, although these wheels require constant care as they are magnesium and any moisture will cause them to corode.

So as a daily driver "wheel" they can be difficult to take care of. Even here in Southern California it is challenging.

I think Arne was referring to the 15" aluminum versions that I have now, not the 14" magnesium ones (which I sold). The aluminum Le Mans wheels don't require any special care.

-Mike

[Ron Carter]

Oh! I did not know there was an aluminum version! facinating.

[Arne]

Oh! I did not know there was an aluminum version! facinating.

The aluminum version was 15" only. Which makes it a unique option for a Z — a true vintage, period-correct wheel that allows the use more modern tire sizes. I'd love to stumble across a set.

[Arne]

4.) Aluminum LeMans was touted for European applications because the only size offered was 15x5.5, and while they did offer it in the Datsun bolt circle there was no such thing as low profile tires then, so no way to use them on a Z. That size and bolt pattern was intended for use on Triumphs, MGAs and similar Brit cars. Today though, you could use 185/65, 195/65, 195/60 or even 205/60-15 on those wheels. The best of both worlds, in my opinion - true period mags, but with modern rubber. I want a set!

I was recently visiting my parents and spent some time paging through my Dad's library of vintage car magazines. Saw a classified ad in one of them for a 240Z - no pictures but as part of the description it mentioned:

"...Konis, American Racing mags, 185/70-15 XWXs..."

I figure that car had to have Lemans on it. That was the only 15" choice that would fit a Z back then. Those 185/70-15 Michelin XWXs (standard equipment on many Porsche 911S's) were big dollar, V-rated performance tires. Prior to the release of the Pirelli P7, the XWX was the king of the hill. That size would have been a bit (10mm) wider than stock, but also a touch taller, with a very flat tread face. Since lowering cars wasn't common in those days, and the Lemans wheels having a +12 offset (as we measure them today), they should still have fit OK. That car may have been the first 240Z with a +1 tire fitment!

And yes, I still think I want a set of these wheels...

Edited April 18, 2010 by Arne

[Ron Carter]

Well after spending countless hours polishing my Magnesium LeMans wheels today for the Mitty, I sure wish they were aluminum....

Ron

[geoyam]

Hey Arne, have you seen or checked out the website for this wheel company? http://www.akhwheels.com/pages/showWheel.php?pk=20 They're in your neck of the woods too.

[Mike B]

I was recently visiting my parents and spent some time paging through my Dad's library of vintage car magazines. Saw a classified ad in one of them for a 240Z - no pictures but as part of the description it mentioned:

"...Konis, American Racing mags, 185/70-15 XWXs..."

Arne,

I saw the attached American Racing ad for sale on ebay recently. It looks like it was published in one of the car magazines after BRE won the 1970 ARRC. Given the popularity of BRE and their successful race history, I am surprised that we don't see more Le Mans wheels on 240Zs. But that is also part of why I like them, you don't see them very often.

-Mike

[WingZr0]

Where can i find or does anyone have an American Racing ARE wheel catologue from the 70's?

Tryin to find one with a wheel called a GT Mag in it.

Looks like this, with the slant lip.

Edited September 28, 2011 by WingZr0

[Dave Patten]

It looks very similar to the Western wheels I had on my Porsche 914 years ago.

[WingZr0]

After about 2 years of searchin i finally found them! Dude says they're not Amreican Racing but

they're 15 inches by, what he says, 4.5 or 5 inches wide, AND he wants $900 for them. OUCH!!! If coud get these i can make the rim wider into a 7 inch or even 8 inch wide version.