The Ronal Teddies are likely the most recognized among novelty wheels, but they only scratch the surface of an intriguing world of rare wheels. Delve deeper, and you’ll encounter the even rarer Mazda Haribos, the seldom-seen Koalas, and the Hyundai Mickeys. However, these are mere commoners compared to the exceedingly rare Michelin Man wheels. Their scarcity is such that most information available online about them is either unverified or exaggerated. To uncover the truth, I’ve spoken with several owners, piecing together what knowledge remains.
These wheels, inspired by Michelin’s mascot “Bibendum,” have been sporadically mentioned on the internet for over two decades, although information regarding their production and availability has not kept pace. It is often said they were produced by Ronal, akin to the playful bear wheels, in minuscule quantities—sometimes claimed to be as few as four sets globally. This is grossly overstated; I’ve come across credible sources suggesting many more wheels were made and clarifying their actual manufacturer. The reason for their creation remains elusive, but I have what I believe to be a reasonable hypothesis.
For this account, I’ll be synthesizing insights from two owners of the Bibendum wheels. The first account is a blog post from 2004 by a Japanese Michelin enthusiast, Biblog, while the other source is a series of Facebook posts by user Cornelius Rapolani. A certification document from Rapolani directly refutes the rumor that Ronal produced these wheels, naming Kronprinz AG, a well-known German steel wheel manufacturer, as the actual producer. In 1997, Michelin acquired a controlling stake in Kronprinz, fully taking over the company by 2004. It appears these wheels were created to mark Kronprinz’s acquisition. Additionally, a translated excerpt from Biblog’s post suggests these wheels may have been included with Michelin tires in certain regions.
Reportedly, the wheels were cast from aluminum alloy in a lone size of 14×6, featuring a 4×108 bolt pattern and a 16-millimeter offset. This configuration primarily suits a range of small French vehicles, such as the Peugeot 205 and Citroën Saxo and Xantia. Weight-wise, they are quite hefty for 14-inch alloys, ranging between 15 and 20 pounds—Biblog was unable to provide a more precise figure. Furthermore, they dispel the myth that only a handful of sets exist, stating that 20 sets were imported to Japan alone. Biblog and their partner own one of these sets, which they unapologetically describe as “horrible.”
It appears that Michelin’s Bibendum wheels were designed and manufactured quite cheaply—something one might expect from novelty aluminum wheels produced by a company known for making steel wheels. Their design affects their performance, particularly in braking cool-down efficiency. Moreover, Biblog’s author shares two troubling details indicating they lack quality. Other owners have reported issues with center caps popping off at high speeds, and Biblog witnessed tire technicians struggling to balance the uniquely shaped wheels. Nevertheless, those technicians found them to be quite entertaining.
“I always have them balanced at a regular car parts store when I change the tires,” Biblog noted in November 2004. “They really put a lot of effort into balancing (the position of the balance weight varies with each attempt). The guys working on them are taken aback initially, but I love watching them from the rest area as they chat and joke with their colleagues about their unique wheels!”
However, beyond this, information is scarce. We don’t definitively know how many sets were produced, their original price, or the specifics of their distribution. They are so rarely sold that it’s difficult to assess their market value. An undated listing on the Japanese platform Mercari indicates that a single wheel sold for $505, if not for a set of four wheels. Rapolani mentioned he purchased his set for under $500—prices might have risen since their notoriety has grown.
Personally, the pursuit of a complete set seems unnecessary if they are costly, not particularly enjoyable to drive on, and incompatible with many vehicles. While some automotive items offer more aesthetic appeal than practicality, these elusive wheels fall within that intriguing category.
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