Alloy wheels were never standard fitment on the classic MG range, the cars left Abingdon on steel disc wheels, Rostyles, or factory-optional wire wheels. But the aftermarket has produced excellent alloy designs since the 1970s, and a properly-fitted set of period-correct alloys can transform the appearance of a classic MG while delivering meaningful improvements in unsprung weight, brake cooling and tyre fitment flexibility.
The Stocked Ranges
MGOC Spares carries five distinct alloy wheel ranges suited to the classic-MG line-up. Minator Sport Alloys bolt onto the existing wheel studs in larger than standard wheel sizes for improved road holding, supplied with centre caps and offered in silver, black or anthracite finishes, MG badges are sold separately. Hi-Lite Alloys are a modern reproduction of the Minilite design with highly polished rims, supplied with tyre valves and centre badges in a range of sizes to suit MGB and Midget. Centre Lock Alloys are true centre-lock wheels for cars running splined hubs, offered in anthracite with polished rim, silver or black for MGB, MGC and Midget.
Dunlop Style Alloy Wheels are finely detailed recreations of the classic Dunlop racing wheels, TUV approved, die-cast aluminium in the UK with a silver powder-coated clear lacquer finish, in 5½" × 15" diameter, available as centre-lock for splined hubs, 4-stud for MGB or 5-stud for MGC. The MGB LE Alloy Wheels complete the range, a five-spoke 14" × 5" pentastar design originally specified for late Limited Edition cars, supplied with MG centre badge and retaining clip.
Choosing Between the Designs
The choice across the five ranges comes down to the look and the application. The Hi-Lite Minilite reproduction suits cars restored to original specification with subtle upgrades, the eight-spoke magnesium-style pattern is the established classic-MG visual reference. The Dunlop Style suits cars where a more competition appearance is wanted, the Jaguar D-type design giving a stronger period-racing reference. The Minator Sport range serves the practical end of the market, larger than standard diameters for improved road holding while remaining direct-fit using standard wheel nuts.
The MGB LE pentastar suits Limited Edition restorations and any chrome-bumper MGB where the late-period factory option appearance is wanted. Centre Lock Alloys serve the wire-wheel-hub population who want the modern alloy weight-and-strength benefits while keeping the centre-lock spinner arrangement. From a performance standpoint, a quality alloy weighs measurably less than the equivalent steel wheel, typically 1 to 2 kg per wheel, and the reduction in unsprung weight translates to better ride compliance, more responsive handling and slightly improved acceleration and braking response.
Fitment and Hub Adapters
Alloy wheels for the classic-MG range fit the standard four-stud 4 x 4.5-inch (114.3mm) PCD used across the MGB, MGA, Midget, MGC and chrome-bumper applications. The MGB GT V8 uses the same PCD with offset variations to suit its wider track. Hub adapters are available for owners converting from wire wheels (which use a centre-lock spinner arrangement) to alloy or steel wheels, the adapter replaces the splined hub with a four-stud hub at the correct PCD. The conversion is a substantial piece of work and is typically undertaken when the wire-wheel splines have worn out and a renewal would be more expensive than converting to a different wheel type.
The technical team is available to advise on the right offset, PCD and centre-bore specification for any specific car.