The Rally Wheel design was used from 1968-’82. In 1968, the
rim width was increased from 6 inches to 7 inches, and in 1969
increased to 8 inches. The outer beauty ring got deeper and the
center cap more pronounced. The steel rims were painted sil-
ver. These were very handsome wheels.
Cast-aluminum wheels arrived on the 1973 Corvette order
sheet (RPO YJ8), but only four sets were ordered because Chev-
rolet recalled the wheels due to porosity problems. In 1974, the
wheels were on early order forms, but none were sold. The
alloy wheels were finally available in 1976 and 6,253 sets sold.
To celebrate the end of the C3, Chevrolet offered the Collector
Edition. One of the main features was the unique aluminum
wheels that featured 36 radial fins with a plastic finned center
cap. The design was similar to the 1967 finned wheels and was
only available on the Collector Edition.The last Corvette wheel covers were called Bright Metal Wheel
Cover in 1968 and Deluxe Wheel Covers from 1969-’73, were
most popular in 1968 and 1969. The $57 design was considered
futuristic featuring 72 radiating fins that dished in, and then out
with a small center cap.VETTEWEB.COM 55