The Classic Mini was fitted with either 10-inch or 12-inch road wheels depending on model and production date, and this is the single most important identification point for ordering wheels, tyres, hub caps and wheel hardware. The original 10-inch steel wheel (3½ inches wide) was standard on 848cc, 998cc and 1098cc models. The 1275 GT used 12-inch wheels (4½ inches wide) from the outset, and from 1984 onwards all models moved to 12-inch wheels. Wheel sizes are not interchangeable without corresponding changes to tyres, brake drums and potentially wheel arch clearances.
The 13-inch alloy wheels fitted to some later models and limited editions represent a further size step.
Steel Wheels
Steel wheels were the standard fitment throughout production and are available new and reconditioned in both 10-inch and 12-inch sizes, in silver and black finishes. Hub cap designs changed extensively across production, progressing through plain chrome, chrome with circular hole trim rings (Clubman to 1977, Super Deluxe to 1980), spoked designs with Leyland logo (Clubman 1978 on, HL and HLE 1980 to 1982), spoked designs without Leyland logo (HLE and Mayfair 1982 to 1984), covers with Austin Rover logo (basic models 1984 to 1988), covers without logo (basic models 1988 to 1992), full-wheel covers for Mayfair and limited editions (1984 to 1988), nine-spoke designs (1988 onwards), and Silver Mist or Silver Sparkle finishes on later models. Each hub cap type fits a specific range of models and dates.
Alloy Wheels
Alloy wheels were fitted to various limited edition models and offered as optional extras. The 10-inch five-spoke alloy wheel (5 inches wide) in black and silver finish was a popular option and limited edition fitment from 1977 to 1984.
Later 12-inch alloy wheels (4½ inches wide) appeared on Mayfair and limited edition models from 1984 onwards, with specific centre caps required for each type. The 1275 GT and Mini 25 limited edition used a spoked hub cap design with specific centre caps featuring the Leyland logo or ‘25’ script respectively. Sport Pack models from 1997 onwards used a 13-inch six-inch-wide alloy wheel.
Wheel Nuts and Locking Nuts
Wheel nut specifications differ between steel and alloy wheels and between 10-inch and 12-inch fitments. Locking wheel nut kits are available for 12-inch steel wheels and for 12-inch and 13-inch genuine Mini alloy wheels, with different kits required for each wheel type. Locking nut covers and a removal tool are available separately. The Mini Cabriolet used its own specific wheel nut for its 12-inch alloy wheels.
Jack and Tool Kit
The side-lifting jack was standard equipment throughout production, with an alternative scissor-type jack used on the Mini Cabriolet. The tool bag changed from a Hardura bitumenised felt type (up to 1985) to a vinyl type from 1985 onwards, with the Paul Smith limited edition using a unique Citrus Green vinyl bag. Wheel braces and jack handles also changed across production, with alternative types introduced from 1982. Hub cap removal tools are available for both early and later hub cap designs.
MGOC Spares Range
The MGOC Spares Classic Mini road wheel range covers 10-inch, 12-inch and 13-inch steel and alloy wheels in silver, black and white finishes (new and reconditioned), hub caps for all production variants and limited editions, centre caps, hub cap trim rings, wheel nuts for steel and alloy applications, locking wheel nut kits with covers and removal tools, wheel braces, jack handles, side-lifting and scissor jacks, tool bags and hub cap removal tools.