46 SHARKED IT...

The seller got back to me: The alloy wheels are mine!  They are all paid for, and he is happy for them to be collected next week - result.   I've been speaking to Carl to see if he can collect them for me.  If not, I'll get them on the way back from collecting the car on Saturday. 

They are an inch bigger than the alloys on the car now and have a set of Pirelli P Zero Nero tyres fitted, which look to have masses of tread.  They cost £425, which doesn't fit the saving money ethos, but in mitigation, Lisa is giving me £250 towards them, so they come out at the same price as the manky black ones with illegal tyres.

The fact that they have good, legal tyres has saved me a ton of cash.  Looking at Black Circles, new Pirelli rubber will set me back £552, so it is a massive cost saved.  I've effectively got a free set of what was described as 'the best tyres for the Abarth' as part of the price and a set of scorpion red centre caps thrown in, which are £40 each, too.

They need a little TLC and a mild refurb.  They will get both by two half-bevvied Scousers with ham for fists and a 'that'll do' attitude.  Looking forward, I have the option of selling them after the trip or using them as summer wheels/tyres.  

The new car comes with some 16" graphite grey wheels with three different brands of tyres on (this is making my teeth itch), so I've looked on Black Circles to see if there are any deals, as I can't afford to splash £500+ on more Pirellis.  A look on the Abarth forums tells me to look at Uniroyal, as they are right up there with the P Zero Neros.

The official blurb says, "The Uniroyal RainSport 5 is a top-of-the-range, high-performing asymmetric tyre.  It delivers exceptional control and handling at high speeds in the wettest conditions.  

“It boasts the latest wet tyre technology with wide 'Shark Skin' grooves cutting through the tread blocks, quickly clearing water from the tyre - guarding against aquaplaning.  A strong outer shoulder with rigid tread blocks offers superb steering control and high curve stability, making this tyre a real pleasure for sporty driving."

While the RainSport 5's are classed as a summer tyre, they would be perfect as a winter tyre in the UK, as the lousy weather usually consists of rain rather than snow and ice.  It also allows for the rotation of the wheels, depending on the time of year.  At £380 for all four corners, they don't break the bank (but they do put a big dent in it).