The Shelby American (Fall 2021)

In contact with Springall, Mark Davies said a few of the original early 3-hole wheels had been hand-drilled and hand-finished and there were likely some inconsistencies from wheel to wheel. Soon after the first run, they used a punch press which gave them more consistency. For clarity in com- munications and for lack of other in- formation, I referred to the 16-inch diameter Cobra/early Shelby wheels as “Gen I” and the early drilled 3-hole wheels “Gen IIA.” The later, punched 3-hole wheels became “Gen IIB.” In later conversations, I discovered even more anomalies. There was at least one Gen IIA 3-hole wheel with the same bolt pattern as the original 16” Cobra wheels used on the early ‘65 Shelbys. Those wheels had an evenly- spaced mounting bolt pattern whereas the later, punched 3-hole and later slotted wheels had slightly wider bolt spacing at the top of the wheel. Fur- ther, I have seen photos of an early ‘65 hub with dual bolt patterns – presum- ably to accommodate both type wheels. There are probably still more unknowns. After seeing photos of the Springall operation and a prototype wheel, I purchased two continuation Gen IIB wheels, one for Rich Williams and one for my 5S243. I now have, in my hands, the very first of these continuation wheels made on the original 1965 tooling but produced in June, 2021. One will go on my car and the other was sent to Rich Williams, who unselfishly loaned me his original wheel for study over the past eighteen months. The wood is ma- hogany laid up in strips in hoop fash- ion just as the originals. Upon receipt of the wheels, I con- firmed all dimensions against Rich’s original wheel including aluminum frame thickness, wood dimensions, profile, etc. They are stunningly per- fect. The aluminum frame thickness is exactly the same as the original, as are the hole dimensions and placement. The original wheels were somewhat thin and could be bent with vigorous driving. These are the same. They are as close to being perfect as you can get; indeed, they are simply a continuation wheel as opposed to a “reproduction.” They are all made by hand and there- fore, may differ slightly from wheel to wheel just as the originals did. When was the 3-hole wheel re- placed by the slotted 15” wheel? In my research, cars through 5S259 report- edly had 3-hole wheels. Somewhere before or after 5S259 there was a tran- sition. However, the previous owner of 5S386 reported a 3-hole wheel. Know- ing that the cars were not finished in numerical order may explain the devi- ation. There is certainly much more to learn. The SHELBY AMERICAN Fall 2021 111 First continuation GenIIB wheels. Note the circumferential wood strip layup just like the originals. Springall's intention is to do a continuation of the first 3-hole wheels (drilled) as well as the 16-inch Cobra wheels. They also are working on the center chrome plated boss (hub) for the ‘65 three-hole and later slotted wheels. DIMENSIONS Gen IIA wheels have hole dimensions of approx. .480˝, .630˝, .853˝ Gen IIB wheels have hole dimensions of approx. .615˝, .665˝, .853” Original aluminum frame thickness is approx. .155˝ (approx. 4mm). Current reproductions from other sup- pliers: .198˝ (approx. 6mm) This story is the result of a labor of love for these cars with no business in- terest on my part. If you’re interested in purchasing a wheel please contact the manufacturer. Gen IIA wheel in 5S114. Note the visible difference in hole diameters vs Gen IIB.