| Pantera Wheels, the Campy Clones By Chuck Melton |
| For many owners, the change in wheels has been forced upon them due to the lack of availability of performance tires for the 15� diameter factory Campagnolo (Campy) wheel. If the owner wishes not to stray too far from the original Campy look, they now can upgrade their wheels with the availability of what I call, the Campy Clone. These wheels are available in several widths (8�, 9�, 10�, 11�, and even 12�) and diameters (16�, 17� and soon 18�) from at least two Pantera vendors, Marino Perna of Pantera East (www.PanteraEast.com), and Steve Wilkinson of Panteras by Wilkinson (17� only) (www.DetomasoUSA.com). See my article that compares the aesthetics of these two designs. |
| In addition to my sets of factory wheels in 7�, 8�, and 10� widths, I own a set of these Campy Clones. I have the design from Pantera East, in the sizes of 9� wide by 17� diameter for the front, and 11� wide by 17� diameter for the rear. I almost chose the 16� diameter for the front for aesthetic reasons. The debate rages on as to what is the better choice. One argument is that the 17� diameter looks �too big� in proportion to the front of the car, where the 16� diameter is about �right�. Naturally the tire profile affects the look also. |
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| Here are images of John Bentley�s cat trying on new �paws�. First the stock wheels are displayed, followed by 17� rears, and a close-up measuring the clearance with a Goodyear F1 Fiorano 345/45 tire. The last image is with 17� wheels all around. This angle, and the slant of my driveway amplify the �large front wheel� appearance. |
| In this last image of John�s car, is a set of 16� front wheels and 17� diameter rear wheels, that John received from Pantera East, shod with Michelin Pilot MXX3 tires, in sizes 245/45-16 front and 335/35-17 rear. Compare the 16" with the center image above with the 17". |
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| Many say that the objective arguments of 17� wheels outweigh the subjective aesthetic differences. The first issue is tire availability. The tire selection for the 16� wheel is significantly more limited than for the 17� wheel. Just visit www.tirerack.com and compare for yourself ! This concern is likely only to grow worse in the future. The number of production cars running a OEM 17" wheel is much larger than cars sporting the 16" wheel, which appears to be a transition size. |
| Another issue is clearance for some brake calipers. With some aftermarket brake systems, typically the larger full-race versions, the caliper may rub on the inside of the wheel. This is perhaps more of an issue with wheels other than the Campy Copies. I�d like to hear from anyone that has had a problem with a Campy Clone 16� wheel and a caliper from any brake system. |
| Here is another set of Camp Clones on Forest Goodhart�s car. The wheels are Wilkinson's 9x17 in the front and 11x17 in the rear. The rear tires are Dunlop SP8000 in the 335/35 size, and the fronts are 225/45 Dunlop P9000. Notice how close the front tire comes to the fender. |
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| Here are a few more images of wheels, first is another set of 17� wheels on Dirk Ault�s car. The next two images, from the Vegas concours in 1999 show what some Clones look like painted gray. Compare the wheel details to the above wheels and you�ll notice that the wheels seen here are unlike any other wheels seen above. I�d like to know whose car this is. |
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| Lastly, here is a set of Clone single slot wheels, custom made for Mike Coffel. |
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| So if you choose to upgrade to a wheel size that has a selection of currently available tire sizes in performance ratings you can go with either the 16� clone wheel, or the 17� clone wheel, and still maintain the stock look. |
| Click on small images for a larger view. |