AFTER 70 YEARS, WE'VE LEARNED A LOT.

Since our inception in 1956, we’ve seen trends come and go. We’ve been at the forefront of hotrod culture, set records on the quarter mile, and ushered in a new era of performance with a slew of GT3 wins. For us, it’s never been about following trends. It’s about leading the pack.

THE MAKINGS OF AN AMERICAN ICON

Today's American Racing still prides itself on the mission that began in a San Francisco speed shop over 70 years ago when drag racer Romeo Palamides and machine shop owner J.O. Ellison teamed up to build a fuel dragster. The purpose-built magnesium race wheels would soon become a standard and help launch the custom wheel industry.

1954Romeo Palamides and J.O. Ellison custom built a set of magnesium race wheels of their own design for their fuel dragster.

1956Hot Rod Magazine features "The Romeo" dragster on the cover of its November issue. The 15x7-inch cast magnesium wheels prompt early orders for what would become the first American Racing products.

1958The Standard, a four-slot magnesium racing wheel, is put into production for competition use.

1962Aluminium American Racing Torq Thrust wheels for street use are introduced. The five-spoke parabolic design is largely credited with launching the custom wheel industry.

1968Dramatic thriller "Bullitt" is released, featuring a 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 fastback on American Racing Torq Thrust wheels.

1970American Racing introduces what is to become another iconic five-spoke wheel, the 200-S, also known as the Daisy.

1971A popular American Racing ad campaign with high-profile racers and opinion leaders of the time prominently features Andrew “Big Willie” Robinson, the legendary street racer turned-social reformer.

1979The Dukes of Hazzard begins airing. The General Lee, the show’s iconic 1969 Dodge Charger, rides on American Racing Vector wheels.

1983The A-Team begins airing. The black and metallic grey 1983 GMC Vandura features a characteristic red stripe, a rooftop spoiler, and red American Racing Vector wheels.

1985Hot rodders are paying as much as $1,000 for a clean set of vintage American Racing Torq Thrust wheels. In today’s dollars, that’s about $2,000.

1986The Torq Thrust has become one of the most duplicated wheels of all time. American Racing re-engineer the Torq Thrust D and brings it back to market. It rapidly regains its position as a top seller.

1997Rod Millen takes his Toyota Celica to another Pikes Peak Hill Climb record on American Racing Wheels. He dominated the Race to the Clouds in the decade, taking wins in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999.

2005Don Schumacher Racing’s record-setting 337.58 mph Top Fuel run at Brainerd, Minnesota, brings American Racing the title of “World’s Fastest Racing Wheels.”

2007Hot Rod Magazine names the Torq Thrust wheel, originally designed some 50 years earlier by Tom Griffith, one of the “10 most significant speed parts of all time.”

2010American Racing launches its Custom Shop. bringing wheel manufacturing back to its southern California location. The shop continues to handle special orders and two-piece manufacturing.

2012American Racing reintroduces the Vector wheel, made famous by the Dukes of Hazzard General Lee, and the A-Team Vandura.

2016American Racing celebrates 60 year anniversary.

2018Introduction of Flow Formed wheel technology into the American Racing lineup, bringing lighter weight and improved strength performance to key street and performance applications.

2023American Racing announces a technical partnership with Ford Performance and Multimatic Motorsports as the official wheel supplier for the Mustang GT3 program.

IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENTHUSIASTS

As a forefather of American muscle culture, it’s our duty to keep pushing the envelope. But that doesn’t mean leaving the past behind. That’s why we still implement new manufacturing methods, styles, and performance enhancements for the classics of the golden era of motoring while building for the future. From our custom forged lineup to our all-new Flow Formed and Bead Retention System technologies, enthusiasts can rely on American Racing to keep them in the game. Whether it’s a modern Mopar or a classic C10, we got you covered.

HONORING THE PAST, FORGING THE FUTURE

We take that same grit and history and back it up with a manufacturing process that’s all about real performance. From the first CAD sketch to the final coat of finish, we’re using modern tech to make sure our wheels don't just look the part, but actually handle the abuse of the road and the track. It’s about taking those legendary designs we all love and building them better than ever for whatever you’re driving.

COME CELEBRATE WITH US

In honor of our 70th anniversary, we’ve put together a slew of commemorative merch and limited run items. We got your track day threads, car show fit, and Sunday kick back pint glasses. Our wheels may last forever, but this run won’t. Grab ‘em while you can.

ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION