Since 1956, American Racing has been at the forefront of wheel design and manufacturing, revolutionizing the automotive aftermarket industry with their commitment to performance, style, and innovation. Founded by drag racing pioneer Romeo Palamides, American Racing quickly established itself as the go-to brand for serious racers and car enthusiasts who demanded the perfect blend of lightweight construction and uncompromising strength.
What began as a solution for drag racers seeking a competitive edge has evolved into one of the most recognizable and respected names in the wheel industry. Today, American Racing continues to build upon its rich heritage while embracing cutting-edge technology and design, offering an extensive catalog of wheels for virtually every application—from vintage classics to modern performance vehicles.
When discussing American Racing wheels, one cannot overlook the wheel that started it all—the legendary Torq Thrust. Developed in 1963, the Torq Thrust forever changed the wheel industry with its innovative five-spoke design featuring tapered parabolic contours that simultaneously increased brake cooling and decreased wheel mass.
The simple yet elegant design of the Torq Thrust has earned it a place in automotive history, with Hot Rod Magazine naming it one of the top 20 speed parts that changed the world. Nearly 60 years later, the Torq Thrust remains one of the most sought-after wheel designs ever created, adorning countless muscle cars, hot rods, and even modern performance vehicles.
Today, the Torq Thrust legacy continues with various iterations including the Torq Thrust D, Torq Thrust II, and Torq Thrust M, each maintaining the iconic styling while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques and fitment options for contemporary vehicles.
The American Racing Baja wheel series represents the brand's commitment to off-road performance and durability. As one of American Racing's first aluminum truck wheels, the Baja has earned a reputation for exceptional strength and distinctive styling that makes a statement whether on the trail or on the street.
The Baja features a classic 8-spoke design with a robust construction engineered to withstand the punishment of off-road driving while providing the reduced unsprung weight that benefits vehicle performance. Available in various sizes and finishes including polished aluminum and satin black, the Baja wheel offers versatility for trucks, Jeeps, SUVs, and even some muscle car applications.
Modern Baja wheels maintain the heritage styling while incorporating contemporary manufacturing techniques and fitment options, making them a popular choice for enthusiasts looking to add classic American Racing style to their off-road builds or daily drivers.
American Racing's Rally wheels embody the brand's deep motorsport roots, drawing inspiration from the competitive world of track racing. These wheels feature a distinctive design that harkens back to the golden age of American motorsport, with a focus on both performance and period-correct styling.
The Rally wheel's simple, clean aesthetic makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications, from classic muscle cars to modern performance builds. Available in various finishes including chrome and painted options, these wheels offer enthusiasts the opportunity to capture the essence of vintage racing while benefiting from modern manufacturing standards.
With their competitive heritage and timeless appeal, American Racing Rally wheels continue to be a popular choice for automotive enthusiasts seeking to add a touch of motorsport authenticity to their vehicles.
The American Racing VF-Series represents the pinnacle of the brand's wheel offerings, featuring premium forged construction for uncompromising performance and customization. Unlike cast wheels, VF-Series wheels are crafted from solid billets of 6061-T6 aluminum, resulting in a stronger, lighter wheel that can be precisely tailored to the customer's specifications.
Each VF-Series wheel is 100% made in the USA, handcrafted to order with meticulous attention to detail. The forging process aligns the aluminum's grain structure, creating a wheel that's not only lighter than cast alternatives but also significantly stronger—a critical advantage for high-performance applications where every ounce matters.
The VF-Series includes iconic designs like the VF490, VF510, and VF514, offering enthusiasts the perfect blend of classic American Racing styling and state-of-the-art forged construction. These wheels are available in a wide range of sizes, offsets, and finishes, allowing for truly custom applications that meet the exacting standards of the most discerning enthusiasts.
The American Racing AR-Series offers enthusiasts the perfect blend of quality, style, and value. These cast aluminum wheels provide excellent performance characteristics while maintaining accessibility for a wide range of budgets and applications. From street performance to light truck and SUV applications, the AR-Series has a wheel to suit virtually every need.
Popular models in the AR-Series include the AR104 and AR604 Torq Thrust ST (designed specifically for trucks and SUVs), the AR105 Torq Thrust M (a modern interpretation of the classic design), and numerous other styles that cater to different aesthetic preferences while maintaining American Racing's commitment to quality.
While not offering the same level of customization as the premium VF-Series, AR-Series wheels are available in a wide variety of pre-determined sizes, offsets, and finishes, making them an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking American Racing quality without the premium price of forged construction.
The Torq Thrust wheel isn't just American Racing's flagship design—it's an automotive icon that has transcended its original purpose to become a symbol of American performance culture. First introduced in 1963, the Torq Thrust's distinctive 5-spoke design with tapered spokes was revolutionary for its time, offering the perfect combination of reduced weight, increased strength, and enhanced brake cooling.
Over the decades, the Torq Thrust family has expanded to include various iterations that maintain the iconic styling while adapting to modern vehicles and manufacturing techniques:
From classic muscle cars to modern performance vehicles, the Torq Thrust remains one of the most recognizable and sought-after wheel designs in automotive history—a testament to the enduring appeal of American Racing's most iconic creation.
American Racing's vintage wheel collection celebrates the brand's rich heritage, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to capture the essence of automotive history with period-correct designs manufactured to modern standards. These wheels pay homage to the golden age of American performance while providing the reliability and quality expected from contemporary wheel products.
The vintage collection includes iconic designs such as:
These vintage designs are available in period-correct sizes as well as modern dimensions to accommodate contemporary brake systems and performance requirements, making them the perfect choice for both authentic restorations and resto-mod builds that blend classic styling with modern performance.
17-inch American Racing wheels represent an excellent balance between classic styling and modern performance requirements. This size offers improved tire options compared to smaller diameters while maintaining a period-correct appearance for many vehicles. Popular 17-inch applications include:
These wheels are available in various bolt patterns to fit most domestic and import applications, with offset options that accommodate both stock and modified suspension systems.
The 15x10 size is a classic dimension favored by drag racers and muscle car enthusiasts looking for a wide stance and the ability to fit larger rear tires. American Racing offers several models in this size, including:
When selecting 15x10 wheels, it's essential to consider proper backspacing/offset for your specific vehicle to ensure proper clearance for suspension components, fenders, and brake systems.
For those seeking a more contemporary look or building a modern muscle car or truck, American Racing offers a wide selection of 20-inch wheels that blend their classic designs with proportions suitable for larger vehicles. Popular 20-inch options include:
These larger diameter wheels accommodate modern brake systems and provide enhanced visual appeal for contemporary vehicles while maintaining American Racing's commitment to performance and quality.
Selecting the perfect set of American Racing wheels involves considering various factors beyond just aesthetic appeal. To ensure optimal performance, fitment, and satisfaction with your purchase, consider the following guidelines:
Different vehicles have different wheel requirements. American Racing offers specific lines for:
American Racing offers wheels in various construction methods, each with different characteristics:
Selecting the right dimensions is crucial for proper fitment and performance:
American Racing offers various finishes, each with different maintenance requirements:
By considering these factors and consulting with knowledgeable dealers, you can select the perfect set of American Racing wheels that will enhance both the performance and appearance of your vehicle for years to come. See the Full Line up of American Racing Wheels.
American Racing wheels, particularly the Torq Thrust design, are iconic because they pioneered lightweight yet strong wheels specifically designed for high-performance applications. Introduced in 1963, the Torq Thrust has been named one of the top 20 speed parts that changed the world by Hot Rod Magazine. Their simple, 5-spoke design combined functionality with timeless style that continues to be sought-after nearly 60 years later.
Many American Racing wheels are made in the USA, particularly their premium forged lines. The American Racing Forged line is 100% made in the USA, with custom wheels handcrafted from 6061 forged aluminum and made to order by size, style, fitment, and finish.
The VF-Series represents American Racing's premium forged wheels, offering superior strength-to-weight ratios and customization options. These wheels are made from 6061 forged aluminum and are 100% American made. The AR-Series includes their cast aluminum wheels, which provide excellent quality and value while still maintaining American Racing's commitment to performance and style.
American Racing Baja wheels are available in various sizes designed for trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles. Common sizes include 17x8, 17x9, with bolt patterns of 5x127, 5x139.7, 6x139.7, 8x165.1, and 8x170 to fit a wide range of vehicles. They're designed to provide both aesthetic appeal and durability for off-road applications.
The most popular vintage American Racing wheels include the Torq Thrust (original), Torq Thrust D, Torq Thrust II, Classic 200S, Shelby Cobra, and Smoothie. These wheels capture the essence of American automotive culture from the 1960s and 1970s and remain highly sought after for classic car restorations and muscle car builds.
