Torq Thrust - American Racing Torq Thrust Wheels

American Racing

Rumor has it that American Racing started the aftermarket wheel industry. 

That may be true. 

In 1956 a drag racer by the name of Romeo Palimedes made magnesium wheels for dragsters, albeit only rear wheels. This is because, in the olden days a vintage dragster looks like a lawnmower on steroids with the front wheels being no different from Matt Hoffman’s BMX.

American Racing’s first custom road wheels were introduced in 1960.

Torq Thrust

The Torque Thrust was introduced in 1963 and is widely considered to be the wheel that started it all. The Torque Thrust is perhaps one of the most copied wheels ever. American Racing still makes this iconic wheel, but it is constructed using modern methods. 

Inventing the aftermarket wheel industry is not enough for American Racing. The company is still at the forefront of innovation, making bold designs and high quality wheels. 

Mustangs, Camaros, the Pontiac GTO, Dodge Chargers, especially Corvettes just don't look right with wheels from brands lacking the heritage of American Racing. Other wheels lack the appearance of strength which the thick spokes of the Torq Thrust have become known for.

American Racing designs and engineering features have stood the test of time. Even newer Mustangs and Camaros look good on larger wheels with the same iconic, 5-thick bananas design language.

The Torq Thrust product line is characterized by design elements borrowed from drag racing and by competitive strength-to-weight ratios that dragsters needed to win. The wheels come in staggered fitments and modern finishes in diameters that can fit a 50’s Corvette as well as a Dodge Challenger Hellcat.

The Torq Thrust was designed with "tapered parabolic contour" to increase brake cooling and make the wheel lighter. It has been endlessly developed over the years to accommodate large disc brakes and new hub designs, but the basic style remained unchanged for 60 years. And will remain unchanged until cars learn how to fly.