Lotus Elan Factory Alloy Wheels

[knockoffnut]

Hi, Does anyone have any information about a factory option for alloy wheels on the normal S3 Lotus Elan in the late 60's or early 70's. The wheels I refer to, I believe were manufactured by Dunlop, and look just like the +2 knock off alloy wheels, and the bolt on Europa wheels, except these Elan wheels were 13x5 pin drive knock-offs (ally knock-on for all you Brits) (compared to +2 wheels which were 13x5 1/2). Any info would be appreciated.

[gino1]

You mean like these ?

I was told that these were a special production made by Paul Matty. I was fortunate enough to find these a gfew years ago but believe they are very rare.

Gino
Milano
Italy

[gino1]

I just wanted to add that these are 4.5J x 13. and not wider than the standard steel knock-ons.
Gino

[mcclelland]

Hi,
Ive also been looking for a set of these for some time now, but without success. I know Christopher Neils sold them new, but again many years ago. If you find a manufacturer then count me in for a set !!
Regards, George...

[Pistacchio sprint 72]

Nice 26r headlamp mod gino!

[mdf]

I recall Cosmic alloys as a popular option back in the day...
The white coupes wheels certainly remind me of Cosmic wheels.
-MF

[el-saturn]

they look like the so-called brand wheels: made for the plus2 elan and also some europas - i have a pair of these originals
with my semi-slicks for my elan s3 using the regular 3ear knock-offs PS paul matty sells new repros!

[knockoffnut]

yes, that is the wheel. oh, and I do like your headlight covers too... I have a set of these wheels in almost "like new" condition. They still have all the original paint and the clearcoat is almost perfect. The marks you see are just left over tape that was over the wheel weights. You are right, they measure 4 1/2 x 13, but have no markings anywhere. They have steel inserts under the knock-offs, and five pindrive pockets. In my 35 years of playing with Elans these are the first set I had ever seen. I was told that they were a very rare factory installed option. They do seem to match the +2 wheels and the Europa wheels. I will try to post a picture. Can anyone confirm if the factory ever installed these?

You mean like these ?

I was told that these were a special production made by Paul Matty. I was fortunate enough to find these a gfew years ago but believe they are very rare.

Gino
Milano
Italy

[gino1]

Hi,
I see from the scrapes on the inside of the wheel rim you've fitted some plus two brake callipers

Gino

[cal44]

Gino,

is your car white or a very light gray..............dang........beautiful...............

Mike

[gino1]

Hi Mike,

It is the original Cirrus White colour.
Thanks for the coment.

Gino
Milano
Italy

[knockoffnut]

Hi Gino, It is the rear wheels which are machined to make clearance for the lower rear suspension pivots. regarding the comments on replicas; all of the replicas that I have seen have been the wider +2 version of the wheel, and the +2 wheel is what Paul Matty lists in his catalogue. Does anyone know if Paul Matty sold this 4 1/2" wheel at one point as well?

Hi,
I see from the scrapes on the inside of the wheel rim you've fitted some plus two brake callipers

Gino

[ken ob]

I bought a set of these wheels new around 1982 to 1984 from either Paul Matty or Christopher Neil - sorry i cant remember which.
They were definitely an aftermarket item though not a Lotus part.

Ken.

[elancoupe]

I have full set of these wheels, bought back in the early 90's. They were made by KN wheels in the UK.

[knockoffnut]

hi Gino, I know its off topic but I'd love to see a picture of your engine compartment.

Hi Mike,

It is the original Cirrus White colour.
Thanks for the coment.

Gino
Milano
Italy