[Healeys] Derrington Wheels PART 1

[Michael Lempert]

Okay, I wasn't going to participate in this discussion for fear of conflict
of interest, but Gary flushed me out with his comment:
> And as an added benefit, Moto Lita actually manufactured the original
> "Derrington" wheel (120 degree slotted spokes) for Victor Derrington. See
> the
> Aug. 1993 issue of the Chatter for further details. This is not to say
> that
> the  wheel they are making today is identical to the original Derrington.
> Gary Hodson

I would like to add to this and clarify involvement by Moto-Lita.  The
original Derrington was developed by Victor Derrington circa 1953-1954, and
he applied successfully for a patent in October of 1954. Those interested in
such trivia may view it here:
http://v3.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/biblio?CC=GB&NR=791052A&KC=A&FT=D&date=19580219&DB=EPODOC&locale=en_GB

The patent specifies a few traits that never materialized in actual
production, but for the most part, is accurate. Victor's early wheels were
well made out of rich mahogany and either obeechi or white sycamore,
creating lovely contrasting layers. At some point Victor must have gotten
too busy to keep up with all the work and chose to outsource. Moto-Lita was
one such outsource provider, but not until around 1957. The Moto-Lita
"Derrington" wheels were not made precisely like the early Derringtons and
were not of the same high quality or workmanship. Finding an ORIGINAL
Derrington is difficult.  In the 1960's, Moto-Lita did supply Derrington
style wheels to Healey and were sold as optional accessories with a
personalized badge to go with it:
http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/image/107240008
TO BE CONTINUED...