Does anyone know where to find wire rims for an XJ8? Has anyone put them on their 2004-present Jag and have pictures? I was looking through the pictures this morning and came across an older E-Type with wire rims and thought it looked kind of classy and sharp.

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Eric

 

This issue has been raised before. The consensus seems to be that wire wheels are not safe given the weight, speed and cornering capability of these cars. The rear wheels and tires on my 07 XK each weigh 60 pounds alone so one would expect that if there was a way to reduce unsprung weight with wire wheels Jag would have jumped on it..

I remember mid 50s Buicks and Cadillacs with wire wheels. Those wire wheels on Buick and Cadillacs of the period were a bit strange because the center hub was large and the wire spokes were short, no doubt due to safety reasons. I doubt they did much to reduce unsprung weight but they were hot looking.

My first Jag was a 69 XKE with wires. They were a bitch to keep clean and got out of round easily. The cost to true them up was prohibitive.

All of the above being said, I'll bet somebody out there is doing wires for late model Jags especially given some of the abortions that pass for stylish wheels these days. But, I would not trust them to be safe.

 

I agree with Tarheal here.

Jaguar gave up recommending wire wheels when the XJ saloon came out in 1968, although aftermarket fitments were available. Looking at a large wire wheel supplier in the UK, (Motor Wheel Services), they list XJ saloon from 1968, and XK from 1996. You would need to contact them to get a recommendation, but a lot of careful maintenance will be needed to make sure loose spokes get tightened up regularly. Clearly, if the car is used as a hearse, the wheels will not get loaded up much in use !! In the end it all comes back to the way the car is used by the owner.