American Racing Wheels: The Legend in Custom Rims

by George A. Magalios, Mediasophia INC

American Racing wheels are a living legend and a testament to ingenuity, fine styling, and engineering. Founded in the 1950s, when European racing rims prioritized modular semi-solid custom wheel designs, designer, the American Racing “Torq Thrust” was born when designer Tom Griffith created the tapered parabolic contour spoked wheel. This first American Racing wheel is a living legend in its own right and is still available today in a number of finishes and sizes. American racing wheels are known for the their custom designed wheel weight, increased stability, and more efficient brake cooling. The Torq Thrust is so intertwined with custom wheels and rims history that many claim it alone is responsible for starting the custom wheel phenomenon. The Torq Thrust ventually made the jump from racetrack to street and is available  in chrome and grey finishes for today’s hot cars.

The authentic “old school” Torq Thrust is highly collectible and is prized for its history and performance by many auto collectors. American Racing wheels represent the pinnacle of custom wheel history and design, and American racing is a proud fabricator of a number of fantastic new models like the Baja, the Razor, the Aero, and much much more.

The reputation and reliability of American Racing wheels extend all the way to the world of television where the tv series “Dukes of Hazzard” featured American Racing wheels for its seven seasons on the air. The 340 “General Lee” 1969 Dodge Chargers built by Warner Brothers for the show’s entirety featured American Racing Vector custom wheels. Many cars were totaled from all the stunts performed and during the entire run of the show only one wheel ever failed! This wheel is now an artifact in the private collection of a custom wheel and racing afficionado in California.

American Racing wheels have also played important roles on the big screen in such films as Bullitt, Transformers, and Die Hard with a Vengeance. Each of these roles testifies to the enduring appeal and classic look of the American Racing brand. Today American Racing wheels are available in finishes such as anthracite, magnesium, chrome, polished and silver. Sizes include 15 inch wheels, 16 inch wheels, 18 inch wheels and many more diameters and widths, allowing you to get a variety of looks and styles for your ride.