With so much going on in the classic-Ford world, it's hard not to get excited about all of the new offerings. The '06 SEMA show featured an entire hall devoted to just wheels and tires, with every combination imaginable. The collection of wheels ranged from timeless classics offered in an array of new sizes to the most modern, innovative styles.
When outfitting a project with new rolling stock, the current trend is to go bigger and better. We've even seen wheels up to 17 inches and larger on classic Ford cars. While it may look cool, this trend to go extra large must be carefully balanced with the requirements of a car that's driven on the street. The '65-'66 Mustangs, Falcons, and Comets cannot accommodate the same size tire as a '67 or '69 model, which had larger wheelhousings.
That's not to say that a classic Ford can't look sharp with a nice set of 15- or 16-inch wheels-many of the ones featured here are available in these rim sizes as well. Check out the manufacturer's Web sites or catalogs, and just imagine that sharp-looking wheel staring back at you bolted up to your ride. Nothing sets off a car like a sweet set of wheels, so choose wisely and enhance your ride now.
American Classic Revisited
When it comes to wheels, American Racing [(310) 635-7806; www.americanracing.com] is a name we've been familiar with for a long time. Makers of the original Torq Thrust wheel, the company now introduces the new Torq Thrust M, which features a solid, one-piece cast design and is available in three popular finishes: anthracite, black, and chrome. Wheels with a 5x4.5 (5x114.3mm) bolt circle come with a special-edition Shelby Cobra center cap officially licensed by Carroll Shelby. This new offering is available in sizes 17x8, 17x9, 17x10.5, and 20x8.5. The 17x8-inch wheel is PN 105M7861A, B, or C, and we found the painted version for $191.50. The chrome edition costs $242.25.
CoupeR In Your Future
Autoworks International [(619) 401-6900; www.autoworksracing.com] now offers the CoupeR wheel for '67-'70 Mustangs. These are the same great-looking rims featured on the Obsidian SG1 Mustang fastback seen at the '06 SEMA show. Available in black, gunmetal, or polished finishes, the CoupeR is sized at 17x8, 17x10, 18x8, 18x9, 18x10, 20x8.5 and 20x10. The 17-inch CoupeR wheel lists for $349.99 each, while the 20-inch costs $399.99.
Billet Big Block Wheel
Bonspeed Wheels [(888) 999-7258; www.bonspeed.com] offers its new, great-looking Big Block billet-aluminum wheel. Available in both powdercoated and polished versions, the Big Block features a billet center cap and a hidden valve stem and is offered in sizes ranging from 17 to 24 inches in diameter. For the 17x8 size, expect to pay $507.99.