Cragar SS wheels changed the custom wheel game when they debuted in 1964, earning their reputation as "The Original Muscle Car Wheel" and becoming the most popular custom wheel design in history. Roy Richter created these iconic wheels in the 1960s, and their timeless style shifted how enthusiasts approached vehicle customization.
Cragar was founded in 1930 but gained serious recognition after releasing the legendary SS Super Sport wheels in the 1960s. These wheels set the standard for muscle car rims, keeping their classic appeal through decades of automotive trends. Cragar continues to produce quality wheels using proven manufacturing techniques and classic design principles, serving everything from classic hot rods to high-performance dragsters.
Those wondering if these iconic wheels are still available today might be surprised by the answer.
The story of the iconic Cragar SS wheel begins with entrepreneur Crane Gartz, who established the Cragar Corporation in 1933. The company name cleverly combined the first three letters of his first and last names. After changing hands several times during tough economic periods, the company's destiny changed when Roy Richter, a young fabricator and race car driver, mortgaged everything he owned to purchase Cragar in 1955.
Richter renamed the company Cragar Equipment Company. He started by focusing on speed parts for the growing hot-rod community, producing superchargers, intake manifolds, and headers. By 1962, he spotted a major gap in the market—hot rodders needed stylish, strong aftermarket wheels beyond the basic options of steel wheels, wire wheels, or expensive Halibrands.
The Cragar SS Super Sport wheel featured a breakthrough design that combined a chrome-plated steel rim with a cast aluminum center. This unique two-piece construction set it apart from other "mag" wheels of the era. The wheel's distinctive five-spoke design served more than just looks—it was engineered to overcome weak points in the spoke area around the center flange.
Richter's solution was genius: increase the depth of each spoke as it approached the center, creating a bridge effect across the wheel. To join the different metals, five steel lugs (one for each spoke) were cast directly into the aluminum centers, then welded to the rim. This patented technique created a wheel that tested stronger in lab conditions than any conventional steel production wheel.
After nearly two years of experimentation and testing, the first Cragar SS wheels reached the market in 1964. The first advertisements appeared in Hot Rod magazine that same year. Originally available in 14- and 15-inch diameters with widths from 4 to 10 inches, these wheels were priced affordably at just $46 each for chrome versions and $40 for polished aluminum.
The timing was perfect—1964 saw drag racing explode in popularity, and the emerging muscle car scene created ideal conditions for the Cragar SS to become an instant hit. They would remain the defining wheel of American car culture for decades to come.
After their 1964 debut, Cragar SS wheels took over custom wheel preferences across multiple automotive scenes. Their rise came from a perfect combination of style, durability, and timing that few aftermarket parts have matched.
The 1970s became Cragar's golden era. The company earned the title of "world's fastest wheels" when Gary Gabelich's rocket-powered Blue Flame, equipped with specially designed Cragar wheels, hit 622.407 miles per hour. These wheels became standard equipment on everything from muscle cars to weekend drag racers throughout the decade.
Cragar established the prestigious "Five Second Club" in 1972 for the first sixteen drag racers to break the six-second elapsed time barrier, with Tommy Ivo claiming first membership. That same year, Roy Richter received the coveted "Manufacturer of the Year" award from an all-star drag racing poll. Drag racing legends Dick Landy, Shirley Shahan, and Bill Jenkins all ran Cragar SS wheels on their factory-backed race cars.
Automotive trends shifted through the 1980s and 1990s, but Cragar SS wheels kept their popularity. Many competitor wheels came and went after limited production runs, while the Super Sport's proven design and strength lasted.
Several wheel manufacturers—including Keystone, Rocket, Western, ET, and Superior—created wheels that looked like the Cragar SS. The original maintained its devoted following across diverse automotive subcultures, from hot rods to custom vans with wizard murals and porthole windows.
The new millennium brought fresh interest in vintage styling. Large-diameter wheels became fashionable, yet the classic 14- and 15-inch Cragar SS wheels remained strong sellers for enthusiasts wanting an authentic "old school" look.
Cragar (now under The Carlstar Group) continues producing the iconic SS wheel alongside modern variants. The company introduced three new styled wheel designs for its Modern Muscle line in 2016, combining classic looks with contemporary specifications. For today's builders creating period-correct customs, the Cragar SS remains the definitive choice for authentic vintage styling.
The good news for enthusiasts: Cragar SS wheels remain in production today. The Carlstar Group currently manufactures these iconic wheels, keeping Roy Richter's legacy alive for new generations of builders.
Manufacturing locations depend on the specific wheel type. All-steel Cragar wheels are made in the USA. Composite wheels—those combining steel rims with aluminum centers like the original SS—have their centers produced overseas and are then assembled domestically. All-aluminum Cragar wheels are manufactured in China.
Cragar wheels maintain solid quality standards. Their chrome plating resists corrosion effectively, and the wheels meet or exceed DOT safety requirements. The classic SS design has proven its durability over six decades of street and track use. Many vintage Cragar wheels from the 1960s and 1970s still see regular use today.
Both options exist. Cragar produces wheels in the original 14" and 15" sizes for classic builds, plus a 17" version for modern applications. The current lineup includes over twenty different sizes and bolt patterns. New production wheels maintain the iconic five-spoke design with a chrome-plated steel rim and aluminum center.
Modern Cragar SS wheels stay true to the original construction—a chrome-plated steel rim with an aluminum center. Modern Cragar wheels have one notable change—the spoke profile is now flattened instead of the original rounded design. If you want period-correct wheels, vintage sets are your best option.
Cragar wheels can improve your vehicle's performance through lightweight construction. The aluminum versions reduce unsprung weight, which helps acceleration and handling. The design also allows better brake cooling since air flows more effectively through the wheel. Their proven strength in racing conditions makes them reliable for high-performance use.
Save Big on Cragar SS Wheels whether you choose new production or hunt for vintage originals—both deliver the timeless style that's defined American car culture for nearly six decades.
Finding authentic Cragar SS wheels today offers more options than most enthusiasts realize, from major online retailers to specialty automotive shops.
Major retailers stock brand-new Cragar SS wheels. Summit Racing carries a solid selection, including the iconic 61C Series S/S Super Sport Chrome Wheels in various sizes. JEGS also offers a wide range of Cragar wheels at competitive prices. Cragar's official website features a "Find a Retailer" tool to locate both online and physical stores.
Vintage Cragars feature rounded spokes—essential for period-correct builds—while modern production wheels have flattened spokes. Vintage Cragar wheels don't usually cost more than new sets. Many enthusiasts score used wheels through classified ads and swap meets, sometimes finding remarkable deals at $10 per wheel.
Check the welds first—authentic Cragar SS wheels have smooth, consistent welds. Watch out for wheels showing evidence of being split and rewelded down the middle, as genuine Cragars never have this characteristic.
Inspect for cracks, bends, and curb rash when buying used wheels. Check chrome finish carefully, as older Cragar wheels had issues with peeling chrome.
New Cragar wheels typically run $100 to $300 per wheel depending on size and style. Save Big on Cragar SS Wheels by comparing prices across retailers—TireBuyer offers various models from $159 to $503 per wheel.
Cragar SS wheels have proven their staying power since 1964, establishing themselves as the gold standard for muscle car rims. Their innovative two-piece construction and distinctive five-spoke pattern changed the aftermarket wheel industry forever. The perfect blend of style, strength, and affordability earned them their title as "The Original Muscle Car Wheel."
These wheels stayed relevant through decades of changing trends. The 1970s represented their peak popularity, while the 2000s retro revival secured their place among collectors. The Carlstar Group continues manufacturing these classic wheels today, keeping Roy Richter's original vision alive.
Enthusiasts have solid options when shopping for authentic Cragar SS wheels. New production models deliver modern manufacturing quality, while vintage sets offer period-correct details like rounded spokes. Both choices provide the same authentic style that's defined American car culture for six decades.
Cragar SS wheels represent more than automotive accessories—they're a piece of American automotive history. Their enduring popularity proves their quality and timeless appeal. Few aftermarket parts maintain such devoted followings across multiple generations of car enthusiasts. These wheels earned their place as the defining wheel of American muscle and hot rod culture, making them the perfect choice for anyone seeking authentic automotive style.
Yes, you can still buy Cragar SS wheels today! Here are the essential facts about these legendary wheels and where to find them:
• Cragar SS wheels are still manufactured today by The Carlstar Group, available in original 14" and 15" sizes plus modern 17" options for contemporary builds.
• Production varies by location: All-steel wheels are made in the USA, while composite wheels have overseas centers assembled domestically, and all-aluminum versions are produced in China.
• Vintage vs. new wheels have key differences: Original wheels feature rounded spokes while modern production has flattened spokes, making vintage sets essential for period-correct restorations.
• Multiple purchasing options exist: New wheels range from $100-$300 each through retailers like Summit Racing and JEGS, while vintage sets can be found at swap meets for as low as $10 per wheel.
• Authentication is crucial when buying used: Look for smooth, consistent welds and avoid wheels showing evidence of being split and rewelded, as genuine Cragars never have this characteristic.
Since their 1964 debut as "The Original Muscle Car Wheel," Cragar SS wheels have maintained their iconic status through six decades of automotive evolution. Whether you choose new production or hunt for vintage originals, these wheels continue to deliver the timeless American muscle car esthetic that made them legendary.
Yes, Cragar SS wheels are still manufactured and available for purchase. The Carlstar Group currently produces these iconic wheels in original 14" and 15" sizes, as well as a 17" version for modern applications.
Authentic Cragar SS wheels have smooth, consistent welds. Avoid wheels showing evidence of being split and rewelded down the middle, as genuine Cragars never have this characteristic. Vintage Cragars feature rounded spokes, while modern productions have flattened spokes.
Manufacturing locations vary by wheel type. All-steel Cragar wheels are made in the USA, composite wheels have overseas-made centers assembled domestically, and all-aluminum Cragar wheels are produced in China.
Cragar SS wheels feature a revolutionary two-piece construction, combining a chrome-plated steel rim with an aluminum center. This design, along with their distinctive five-spoke pattern, offers a perfect blend of style, strength, and affordability.
Cragar wheels can enhance vehicle performance through their lightweight construction, particularly the aluminum versions. They reduce unsprung weight, improving acceleration and handling. The design also allows for better brake cooling as air circulates more effectively through the wheel.
