I bought some wire wheels from a guy who told me they are for a series 2 e-type but they measure 16.5 inches in diameter x 6 inches wide. I don't have the old wheels anymore for comparison. Will these fit my '68 2+2? And what size tires are best for traction and handling? Any info will help.
Thanks,
Jake

 

Hi Ejag68,
The original wheels were 15 inch. I don't know what 16 inch tires will work for sure. You'll need to see what is closest in size to the original 185 R15 tires.

 

In terms of traction and handling, many people fit tyres larger than original. however, I feel Jaguar, and Norman Dewis in particular, knew what they were doing. I stick to the original 185/15 and have used them a lot at Goodwood, where they have never let me down. Wider tyres may look more "modern" and fill the wheel arch better, but this isn't a modern car. Wider tyres can make it feel heavier with less feedback. Too wide and you won't change a wheel on the road!

The picture shows me coming out of the chicane before the grandstand straight. Inside front wheel just starting to go light, but the 185/15s hanging on well.

 

Hi Dibbyandco,
Great Picture! It looks like you were having fun on the track.

 

yep, my wife not so much!

 

Do they have any markings on them? They are most likely 16” x 6.5”. I have 16” x 6”’s on my 74 OTS and the look is very, very slight and that opens up a lot more choices in modern rubber if you drive a bit hard. I’ve read that 6.5” is right on the cusp of what fits when turning the wheels. The 6.0” do not rub at all.
I bought a set of Competition laced wheels that are stiffer for cornering and prettier. I fit then with some Pirellis and they mounted perfectly in the rear since the brakes are inboard. But the front didn’t clear the slightly bigger series 3 disc or caliper. I called back Dayton and they realized I had the Series 1/2, MK2 wheels. I have them on the Hemmings classified inexpensively as they made me a nice deal on the new correct ones.


This is the goal on a different “dream car”


This is with the original 15”


This is the 16” x 6” . Notice that the edge of the rim sits right at the fender height in both.

 

dibbyandco, Exactly ! Many etype owners change to a wider tire for looks. Sad to say, I did the same thing to my ‘61 OTS and paid for that bad decision dearly. I put on GS60’s ... and headed to Honolulu, came out of the Wilson Tunnel, road was wet, went into a spin (because the wide tires act lije skis on wet roads) did a 180 and a-l-m-o-s-t went over a 600’ cliff. Hit the guard rail instead. These were not made for wide tires. I find that I get much much better traction and response with the original tires. Original Perelli’s on chrome wires look magnificent. Beefy tires do not add to performance nor looks. Just mho