Hispano Suiza Red Spoked Wheels with Thin Tires

[bobneumann]

Can someone tell me where these wheels and tires came from? We found this in the collection we are sorting.

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100_4655.JPG (255.77 KiB) Viewed 2312 times

[YYS4BOB]

These trial plastic wheels have been seen on a few models, notably the Y3 Riley in red, Y9 Simplex in green, Y6 Cadillac in gold. This seems on odd span of models timeline-wise to me as both pre and post "Woodgrain" revamp of models. In the case of the green Simplex quite a way back from the Hispano. The examples on the Caddy were a match for the roof/grille, whereas those on the Simplex & Riley were bright red. White examples are also known in this experimental form. 1969 (Simplex) to 1975 (Hispano) is a very long gap between models wearing these "trial" wheels.

[misterpop]

Not often I would say this but,what a beauty.Reminds me of the old Rileys Yesteryear missed a chance there.

[YYS4BOB]

Like these.

[ClOwY]

Spoked look much better IMHA.
Gary

[bobneumann]

I have seen those silver wheels on pictures of the Riley before and I always thought they were metal spoked wheels, similar to the Daimler.

Thanks for all of the great information.

[YYS4BOB]

Yes they are metal on the Riley's. This was really for misterpop to show what the Riley looked like with nulti-spoke wheels.

I assume the plastic wheels were cast in the same mould as the metal examples, but weren't deemed strong enough (failed drop tests?) so never made it to production. They must have been made during the early '70's transition period, so why do they appear on a model as old as the green Simplex is the question.

[misterpop]

Thank you....I was thinking what Matchbox could have done with the Kestril saloon.Wow !!!