Enkei Datsun Works wheels

[Zedrally]

Anyone have any ideas whether:

1. These where used on the rally 240 works cars?

2. What they could be worth? [in AUD please]?

Ta

MOM

[Zedrally]

Oh, how would I be able to determine that they are factory works genuine wheels?

Calling Alan, calling Alan, please come in.......

[Bambikiller240]

Obvious? What's obvious? Any pics of what you are talking about????

[Zedrally]

No pic's at this stage.

Genuine Jap import into Aus.

[v12horse]

Hmmmm, Enkei works rally wheels. Are they the superlites? I think that is what they are called. 8-spoke and 14 by 7j? I have no clue if they are works rally wheels, but I think I have heard them referred to as being competition wheels of the era. Pics would be nice.

Cheers,

Ben

[HS30-H]

Hi Mike,

The Nissan "Works" rally team never used Enkei wheels on the works S30-series rally cars ( 240Z / 260Z ). The wheels that they used were made by a company called Kobe Seiko, and they were very similar to the wheels that were standard fitment on the Z432 - which were also made by Kobe Seiko.

In fact, some works 240Z rally cars used the 432 wheels on the FRONT in some events ( when they needed a particularly narrow fitment ). The 432 version and the works rally version are very similar - its basically just the cutouts that are different. The rally wheels came in both 6j and 7j, whilst the 432 wheels were narrower.

If you are talking about the 8-spoke Enkei design, as far as I am aware that particular design was not made until around 1975 to 1976. I have some original Enkei advertisments from around that period that made a big fuss about their new designs, and the 8-spoke was one of them.

The 8-spoke design that can be seen in Nissan's Sports Option parts catalogues ( for all the S30 models ) was also made by Kobe Seiko. Kobe Seiko made these for many of Nissan's 4-cylinder rally cars and circuit racers too. I'm attaching a picture of one of these on the 510 Bluebird that won the 1970 Safari Rally.

Some time around 1975 to 1976, Enkei made a big effort to get the contract to be Nissan's official "Works" wheel supplier for their rally programme. From that point on, you mostly see Enkei wheels on the works rally cars - with lots of Enkei advertisments on the car too. However - this was on the 4-cylinder cars and NOT the Z cars. I should imagine that they supplied the wheels for free as part of an advertising / PR budget. I'm not very well versed on all the different names and designs of Enkei wheel, but probably most famous is the "Enkei Mag" that was usually painted gold. See pic below.

Just to sum up, Enkei wheels were not OFFICIALLY used on the works 240Z and 260Z rally cars during the time that they were current.

Hope that helps a little?

All the best,

Alan T.

[HS30-H]

Here's the classic Kobe Seiko works "Rally Mag" wheel:

[HS30-H]

Here's the "Enkei Mag" in classic gold on a works Bluebird:

[HKSZ]

I've quite offen seen the last enkei refered to as 'rally 2000' but as Alan said this has been in dealing with 1600's.

Prices? well I passed up a set of five 14x5.5 really shagged 2000s with used tires no nuts for $300 three years ago, a mate bought them and reckoned they are worth $800 :stupid: but go figure.

It has to be nostalgia that drives the price of a rally wheel that is as old as I am and more closely resembles a square.

Ps Mike if you pick up a set make sure you get the special nuts,they can be just as nostalgic as the rims

Steve

[HS30-H]

Yes - there may well be different names for the different designs in different territories. Sometimes the local or nicknames become the 'official' names.

As I said, I'm not very well versed on the names of the Enkei wheels.

There's also the issue of whether they were 'real' works wheels ( ie - actually used by the team, and of traceable provenance ) or just the same type as those used by the works team. There is usually an appreciable price difference between the two.

And I share Steve's feelings about old wheels. In many cases they are shagged out ( especially if they've done a few rallies ) and its well worth checking them for cracks, metal fatigue and concentricity BEFORE you pay out any money for them.

Here's a Japanese advertisement from 1978 that might be of interest:

[Zedrally]

Thanks all for your replies and advice.

I've contacted the owner and they are 1600 rims, therefore of no interest to me.

However that said, if there is anyone that is interested in them, they are located in Victoria, Australia. PM for the owners e-mail and I'll pass on.

Cheers

Mike