Classic Porsche 911s are intrinsically linked to Fuchsfelge, or Fuchs wheels. The developer of these one-piece forged wheels was a German company named Otto Fuchs. Described as having a “five leaf” or “windmill” design, Fuchs (which means “fox” in German) wheels premiered on the 1967 911S, which was then the top-of-the line 911 model. Designers at Porsche were keen on finding a wheel made of light alloy that was also attractive looking, and Otto Fuchs delivered. Ferdinand Porsche Jr. was partially responsible for the shape we are all familiar with today and based it off of a kleeblatt (four-leaf clover), except the wheels have five leaves instead of four, according to Porsche.com.

The Fuchs wheels were revolutionary because they were the first forged aluminum wheel created for series production, according to North America Fuchsfelge. The Fuchs wheel was the first “undivided wheel that was not welded or riveted.”  This single piece/block of alloy made the wheels more stable.  Because they were lighter than steel, which many manufacturers were using at the time, Fuchs promoted better handling, agility, and acceleration for the 911.

Initially, the wheels were just 4-1/2 by 15 inches, but they expanded to seven inches (front) and eight inches (rear) for the 1974 Porsche 930, reports Total 911. In 1989, you could find an even larger version on the 930 LE.  They were standard equipment on Porsches during the 1980s, including this writer’s 911SC Targa.

Today, you can purchase the Fuchsfelge in 15-, 16- 17-, 18-, and 19-inch versions for classic and modern Porsche models. The original Fuchsfelge can be purchased from Porsche Classic. If you look closely at some of these wheels, you will notice a little fox symbol stamped on them.

In addition to Porsche, Otto Fuchs developed wheels for other automakers, including Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.  When enthusiasts think of Fuchs wheels, they often correlate them with vintage Porsches, making them one of the auto industry’s most iconic pieces of original equipment. Their functionality and superior design only heighten that image.