History 15" wheels on early hot rods?

What year did 15" wheels start appearing on hot rods? 49-50? anybody have any pics?

 

When I was a kid in the mid 50's, the '49-'50 Merc wheels were the holy grail since they fit early Fords. 15" was way cool.

 

1948 Mercury had 15 inch wheels.. and took Ford Hubcaps..

Maybe even 1947 mercs also...

Sheriffs??? do yur stuff

 

My 47 Ford had 15" wheels

 

I had 15" Merc wheels along with the brake set up on my 1930 A coupe back in '62 I believe it was a 1947 Merc my Dad and I got from "GI auto Salvage" Pine Brook NJ

 

If I recall correctly, Buick started offering 15" wheels as an option in 1940. So the posibilities probably start around then...

 

Interesting. You just don't see many 15" wheels used on late 40's early 50's cars.

 

I had 15" Mercury Wheels on both my 40 Sedans. HRP

 

Good to know, as I plan to use 15" wheels on the rear of my AV8. I've got 2 15" wheels that belonged to my Grandfather. I'm gonna use 'em anyway, but it's good to know that they were around then. I'm thinking 820-15s in back. I really like the dirt track Firestones, a nice big almost 31", but $400+ per tire! Yikes.

Pete