SRD Oct 22, 2012 9:07 pm
Subject: Wheels and tyres for the Rapide

I have been offered a set of Borrani period wire wheels for my car. These come from a DB5 and currently have 205/70/15 Avon Turbo speeds (CR28) on.

Would the wheels fit, or is the spline in the hub different and / or hub diameter different from the DB5/6 series to the Rapide ?

Also will the rolling radius be different and might I expect any other problems with the wheels ?

I look forward to your thoughts and advice

Simon

BTW My original wheels are in excellent condition, currently being shot-blasted.

David Oct 23, 2012 8:09 am
Subject: Re: Wheels and tyres for the Rapide

Simon, the standard rim width for a DB5 was 5 1/2 inches, and for a Rapide it is 6 inches - what are the Borranis? As far as I am aware, the offset is the same (J). The rolling radius for the tyres will be less than the original Avon Crossplies (810 x 15), but not by much, and the size you quote is the size I have on my car

SRD Oct 23, 2012 8:45 am
Subject: Re: Wheels and tyres for the Rapide

David,

Many thanks for your prompt reply:

The wheels are 5.5J x 15" with 72 spokes.
fitment: 42 mm rim inset: 22.00 mm

The hub splines are identical as is the hub diameter. Same wheels also for the DB6.

I have checked with Avon and these tyres will fit a rim width from 5.5 - 6 inches, so appears to be no problems there to fit either standard Rapide wheels or wire wheels.

My old tyres removed from my Rapide, were also same Avon turbospeed size.

Will the slightly narrower rims cause any problems ?

Many thanks.

David Oct 23, 2012 9:00 am
Subject: Re: Wheels and tyres for the Rapide

Simon, my personal view is that 5 1/2 rims will be too narrow (even if carrying 205 tyres) for the weight of the car and the forces exerted when cornering etc. With the de Dion it is possible to really hustle a Rapide on winding roads, keeping the power on, and I suspect narrow wheels will lead to too much tyre roll and wallow

I also recall an LR that had been completely rebuilt (it might be 147) and was splendid, but it had 670x15 crossplies on (too-) narrow wheels, and looked so wrong in each wheelarch

SRD Oct 23, 2012 9:36 am
Subject: Re: Wheels and tyres for the Rapide

David

You hit the nail on the head, I will look for 6 inch wide rims, thanks for the advice and thoughts.

David Oct 23, 2012 10:15 am
Subject: Re: Wheels and tyres for the Rapide

Simon, in AM terms, wire wheels for LR are the same as DB6 Mk2, DBS and AM Vantage. I guess E-type Series 3 4.2 might be the same too

SRD Oct 23, 2012 10:22 am
Subject: Re: Wheels and tyres for the Rapide

David, thank you, had a chat with D. Smail as well, same advice, spot on and greatly appreciated