The CC version of Wheel Of Fortune differs from the real game show mainly in that there is no prize except for bragging rights. But keep in mind nobody likes a braggart, not even Vanna, who we don’t have either. Our version of the game is simple and requires no reading, writing, or ‘rithmetic skills: Just guess (or know) the wheel pictured here and hopefully be able to back it up with some sort of documentation if need be, others will surely help too if your guess is compelling enough. I have no idea what this wheel is, it only struck me as extremely curious as it was welded to another wheel to make a junkyard stand and I had assumed it was all alloy, not steel. UPDATE: It’s been solved and is in the comments, but give it your best guess/shot before you scroll down…
The “spokes” have a thin aluminum applique, here is a closeup of one that I peeled/bent back a bit if that helps. Or perhaps it just thickens the plot.
And as a small aside for those wondering how this kind of stand works, here’s a random example under the rear quarter of a Ford Expedition, they are plenty strong and stable so that most anyone at the junkyard is comfortable crawling under a vehicle suspended in such a way. Well, usually after giving the vehicle above a bit of a shake just to be sure and throwing down a perfectly saleable pristine seatback cushion from something else into the mud first…Anyway, please submit your best guess as to what exactly the featured wheel came from and we will crowdsource the correct answer.
My first guess was Camaro Berlinetta but that isn’t right.
I want to say it’s from an 80’s VW. Looks oddly familiar.
It does look sort of like the early – mid ’80s VW wheel commonly found on the Scirocco, that one had I think 9 spokes and was a 4lugger. And was all alloy, not what seems to be a composite wheel with a steel rim and alloy center.
those?
Those were also on the Audi 4000 in the US. No, the ones that came on the second generation car.
Jim showed me this on Friday, and I’m totally stumped. It appears to be a composite wheel, with a steel rim and an alloy center section. That alone is quite unusual. And the very deep center hub is another head scratcher; that’s just not commonly seen; certainly not on American cars.
I really hope someone comes up with a definitive answer, otherwise I’m going to be frustrated.
All I can say is that had to jerk the steering wheel out of there hand, ouch.
The construction looks quite robust. Wondering if this a light truck/van wheel.
I spent a good amount of time on the puzzle this morning. It resembles any number of capangnolo wheels like what came on some euro ford’s. It’s similar to a vw accessory wheel. A lot of period aftermarket wheels come close. Nothing exact. A real mystery!
This from eBay—seems to be “Rover”—seems somewhat close: https://www.ebay.com/itm/233758885021?hash=item366d1d849d:g:EkwAAOSwaFlfl092
I saw a similar wheel on EBay that claimed to be from an MGB, aluminum/steel “composite” (alloy center edition, steel rim).
MGB was a four stud fixing though
Looks like a Polycast wheel to me, made by the Motor Wheel Corporation (originator of the Magnum 500) in the 70’s and 80’s. They were optional OE wheels on a number of GM and Ford vehicles of the era but apparently they offered at least one aftermarket version the Exiter.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224613835907
I wish we had a picture of the back side as that would tell if they are indeed Polycast or not.
Did you look for any markings?
Ding, Ding, Ding! Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!!!
Wow, I think you are correct, very impressive, that’s just the missing link to asily find it. Actually I believe it’s a Polycast as optional on 1979-1980 Buick Regal. I can’t find a brochure pic or an example of one wearing them, just these loose wheel pics…
https://www.1800everyrim.com/Buick-REGAL-1979-1980-14×7-Polycast-Silver-10-Slot-01196-Wheel-Rim
There’s one on ebay as well. item # 182664145979
Well done, sir!
I don’t know that I deserve the Chicken Dinner. I was leaning to a GM product since the Ford versions I’m familiar with used a center cap that covered the lug nuts, though some of those caps had fake lug nuts on them.
So yeah you deserve the Chicken Dinner, I just got you pointed in more or less the right direction.
We can share the dinner, it’s big enough for two! I didn’t take any pics of the backside, was so befuddled by the front that it didn’t even occur to me. If it’s still in the same location next time I’ll try to look at it. 1980 or so Regals were completely off my radar in the ’80s, especially in SoCal and by the time they were perhaps of any interest, what few there were of that generation, were fading from the scene…
FWIW, I instantly suggested it was a Polycast wheel to Jim on Friday, and showed hm an example as used on the ’71-’72 Olds Delta 88. We even featured one here:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-capsule/cc-capsule-1971-oldsmobile-delta-88-royale-a-real-g-ride/
I knew there were other Polycast variations but I was too busy then to look them up.
Just saying…
They look alright I suppose:
Definitely look better when it factory condition, but I’d prefer the old school Buick wheel.
I know I’ve seen this wheel before, but pinning it down to the exact make and model has proven difficult. The two best clues are the five-bolt mount and the deep center hole. Anything made after the mid- to late-90s tended to be more streamlined and aerodynamic in appearance. My best guess is a mid- to late-80s Jaguar XJ.
Love the premise and the totally obvious but still clever title for this game! Way to start out with a challenge. I was feeling kind of dumb until I saw guys who know more than me stumped.
It’s a fairly rare optional wheel that Buick used on Regals in 1980 and 81, may have been exclusive to the Turbo.
I tried once and it didn’t get my picture.
It’s a fairly rare optional wheel that Buick used on Regals in 1980 and 81, may have been exclusive to the Turbo.
Well, crap. It still didn’t post my pic, so trying again with my phone.
1980 Buick Regal optional wheel
Is this the same thing? (1979 brochure)
Appears to be, yes. Good find!
Thanks for the fun-filled challenge today—-the CC collective wisdom is something to behold. BTW, that was here: https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/buick/79bu/8.html
This was a popular wheel at the time. I never would have guessed it, in this condition.
I guess I now need to find a ’79/’80 Buick Regal in matching condition… 🙂 It’ll perhaps be that metallic sage green that was so popular…
It’s amazing what a coat of paint can do, I never would have guessed that was a late 70s Buick wheel, yet I simultaneously recognize that wheel design on those Buicks now.