McLAREN F1 GTR Speedline Wheels 10.5×18″ 13×18″ SL886 + SL1176

the Speedline SL886 and SL1176 wheels for the McLaren F1 GTR are among the most sought-after pieces of motorsport history. These center-lock magnesium wheels were used on the legendary 1995 and 1996 F1 GTRs, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning chassis.

1. Technical Specifications

These wheels were designed specifically for the extreme thermal and mechanical loads of endurance racing.

• Construction: Cast or forged Magnesium (varies by year/batch). Magnesium was chosen for its incredible lightness, though it is prone to oxidation over decades.

• Offset: Specifically engineered for the GTR’s wider track and racing uprights.

• Finish: Historically finished in a matte or satin magnesium gray, often with a yellow or red “Speedline” stencil on the rim.

2. 2026 Value and Rarity

In 2026, these are rarely found as loose sets. They are usually traded between high-end collectors or provided by specialists like Lanzante.

• Full Set Value: $60,000 – $100,000+ (depending on provenance and structural integrity).

• Provenance: Wheels with a verified history from a specific chassis (e.g., Ueno Clinic #01R or Harrods #06R) can command significantly higher prices at auction houses like RM Sotheby’s or Gooding & Co.

3. Critical Safety Warning: Magnesium Aging

If you are sourcing these for anything other than a static display, you must consider the following in 2026:

• Structural Decay: Magnesium alloy has a finite “fatigue life.” Over 30 years, moisture can penetrate the surface and cause internal corrosion (cracking).

• Crack Detection: Before mounting tires, these wheels must undergo X-Ray or Dye Penetrant Testing by a motorsport specialist to ensure there are no microscopic fractures.

• Refurbishment: Standard powder coating can hide cracks. Specialist “Zyglo” testing and aerospace-grade chromating are the only approved methods for refurbishing original SL886/SL1176 wheels.

4. Modern Alternatives

Because original sets are so rare and fragile, many F1 GTR owners in 2026 use:

• Lanzante Replicas: Lanzante often commissions new-production versions that look identical but are made from modern, safer aluminum or forged magnesium alloys.

• BBS / Enkei Variants: Some later GTRs (like the ’97 Longtail) moved to different wheel designs, but the Speedline 5-spoke remains the “iconic” look.

5. Where to Source or Authenticate

• Lanzante Limited: The primary authority for all things McLaren F1 GTR. They maintain the registry and parts stock for most of the surviving fleet.

• Kidston SA: Simon Kidston’s team is frequently involved in the sale of original F1 GTR parts and can help verify authenticity.

• Speedline Corse: While they no longer mass-produce these, their archive department can sometimes provide technical drawings or confirmation of batch numbers.