DetroitZ

Not that it matters but to correct my earlier posting (and other postings here and on Ebay), double checking my notes at home (I was at work) ... PS stands for Performance Systems, Inc...NOT Performance Specialties

Hi Guys, First let me say...I am not a Z car owner but have always loved these cars going back to high school when a couple buddies had 240Zs. Maybe in my next life I will be able to afford the couple hundred cars I desire to own (think Jay Leno). I got here because of the EBAY auction post...and also because I am looking for a set of these for my classic car (a Sunbeam Tiger). Next...The wheels in question date back to 1961-1962 and I believe designed with the Corvair in mind (GM was the first major U.S. manufacturer to offer a 13" wheel on a production car). They are simply called "GT" Mags, and were manufactured by at least 4 sources (Performance Specialties or P/S, H and S Metals and/or HANDS Engineering, Western, Gurney, SRC, etc...) They were offered in 13, 14 and 15 inch versions for 4 and 5 lug bolt patterns...along with a true knock-off wheel version. And a number of dealers (of various manufacturers like Fiat, Chevy, Datsun, ect...) offered them as options. Interestingly enough Chrysler used them on their Baracuda concept car and Ford used them on their Mustang II concept car (both in the early 1960s). Shouldn't we really have been driving "Fish" cars not "Pony" cars? since the Baracuda beat the Mustang to the market (but that's another debate for another day on another forum). You can Google up Sunbeam Tigers (if you want) and you will see the HANDS 13" version. Personally, I am looking for the large diameter (14" or 15") for my Tiger...I don't care whether they are HANDS or not as long as the backspacing (bolt patterns can be redrilled) works for me (and the price is right). Tigers were only offered up with 13"ers. Anyways...I hope this helps shed some light on the subject...and keep those old (and new) Z cars on the road! I love to see them at the shows. Paul