Minardi M193B/M194 F1 Wheel – IMOLA 1994 – Driver: MICHELE ALBORETO – O.Z. Racing (Enkei Livery) Magnesium Rim + Goodyear EAGLE F1 Slicks – Lot "S F1 108"
An item of monumental historical, engineering, and collectible value: an original complete rear wheel used by the Minardi team during the dramatic and infamous 1994 San Marino Grand Prix weekend in Imola.
This anthological piece was part of the technical equipment of the Ford HB V8-powered Minardi M193B/M194, entrusted to the unforgettable Italian champion Michele Alboreto in the year of his final farewell to Formula 1.
This is not a replica or a later display item, but a true "eyewitness" that has remained intact from that tragic and historic event. As confirmed by the detailed images, the wheel retains its magnificent original track patina, rubber residue, mechanics' inspection marks, and the white chalk lettering handwritten directly in the Faenza team's garage.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CODES AND PHYSICAL CERTIFICATION:
THE RIM (Produced by O.Z. Racing with Enkei Sponsorship):
Manufacturer and Material: Made of ultra-lightweight racing magnesium alloy. The white stickers of the technical sponsor ENKEI are applied to the outer front of the black rim. However, the internal casting on the back of the spoke bears the original "O.Z." trademark, a testament to the team's synergies and technical supplies at the time.
Inspection Markings: The inner rim features the classic green fluid paint dot, used by mechanics to verify structural tests (magnesium x-rays) and to monitor nitrogen gas inflation.
TIRE (Goodyear Eagle F1):
Race Size: 26.0 x 15.0 - 13 - Rear radial slick tire (13-inch rim diameter, impressive 15-inch tread width) with the safety wording "FOR RACING PURPOSES ONLY."
Vulcanized Internal Plaque: Goodyear serial number 50ZZM941 stamped in rectangular bas-relief on the shoulder, where the "94" indicates the specific production for the 1994 season and the "M" indicates the internal use for Minardi.
Chemical Compound Code: Model D4663 enclosed in the original Goodyear box embossed on the tire.
MECHANICS' HANDMARKS (Box Markings):
Chalk coding: The original handwriting by Goodyear/Minardi technicians in the box is perfectly preserved on the tire sidewall: "S F1 108." This clearly indicates the batch/set of tires number 108 assigned to the team.
Compound identification: Immediately below, the handwriting "4663" is visible within a chalked rectangle, a quick visual reminder used by mechanics to identify the compound without having to turn the wheel. This perfectly matches the code D4663 stamped on the tire's shoulder. The verification code "[S]" is also present within a square.
STATE OF CONDITION (Real Condition):
The item is being sold exclusively as a historical relic for a static collection or display. The tire is currently deflated and features natural, dense, and deep cracks on the tread (dry rot/crazing) due to the physiological aging and polymer degradation of the soft Goodyear Racing compound after over 30 years. The original circular wear indicators are still visible on the tread, testifying to actual track use. The magnesium rim is intact and structurally sound. An exceptional piece with a strong visual impact.
For the benefit of more experienced collectors, I should point out that the tire is an original slick (dry) tire from the 1994 season. As is well known, Goodyear supplied slicks with yellow lettering that year. On this particular tire, the lettering appears white and perfectly opaque because it was subsequently refreshed for purely aesthetic and conservation reasons, so as to highlight the branding on the black tire and prevent it from being completely erased by over 30 years of aging. The Minardi magnesium wheel, tire, and frame are 100% authentic, historic, and period-specific.
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BRONZE Seller in
Roma, Italia
