The wheels that wobbled

Sir,

May I add a few observations to your notes on Lotus wobbly web wheels. On the Lotus 11 and 12 the hub was completely deleted and the wheel bearings fitted directly into the wheel. Even more weight than you suggested was saved. The `wheel’ bolts actually held the disc onto the wheel. To change a wheel the brake caliper and wheel bearings all had to be stripped off!

An even neater touch was the grease cover for the centre of the wheel. This was a cap from an oil can, the kind you press in the middle to release and squeeze on the outside rim to fit. Ideal for this application and as I assume Lotus used a lot of oil zero cost!

In conclusion the design was even cleverer than you perceived.

I am, yours, etc. JP Dowerr, London, EG4