ET Wheels: Drag-Inspired Classics for Muscle Cars & Hot Rods

Authentic performance rims with unmistakable style forged in the golden era of American muscle

ET Wheels

ET Wheels: Born from Drag Racing Heritage

ET Wheels stands as one of the most recognizable names in classic performance wheels, with a heritage deeply rooted in American drag racing culture. The "ET" in the brand name—representing "Elapsed Time"—directly connects to the quarter-mile drag strips where these wheels first made their mark. During the 1960s and 1970s, ET Wheels became synonymous with high-performance street machines and weekend warriors looking to bring authentic racing style to their muscle cars and hot rods.

With designs inspired by the functional needs of drag racers, ET Wheels offered enthusiasts the perfect combination of aggressive styling, lightweight construction, and affordability. Today, the ET Wheels lineup continues this tradition, offering authentic reproductions of their classic designs alongside new patterns that maintain that unmistakable ET DNA.

Signature ET Wheel Collections

ET Drag Series: Quarter-Mile Classics

The iconic ET Drag wheel series represents the brand's most recognized designs, featuring the distinctive 5-spoke pattern that defined an era of performance wheels:

These wheels capture the essence of 1960s and 1970s drag racing culture, with their distinctive tapered spokes and deep rear dish creating an unmistakable profile that has defined American muscle for generations.

ET Gasser Series: Nostalgic Racing Style

The ET Gasser series pays homage to the iconic "gasser" drag cars of the 1960s, with designs that evoke that distinctive nose-high stance:

The Gasser series wheels are particularly popular for period-correct hot rod builds and nostalgic drag-inspired projects, providing authentic styling cues that instantly communicate racing heritage.

ET Pro Street Series: Street Performance Classics

The Pro Street Series offers wheel designs tailored for street-driven performance vehicles:

ET Vintage Series: Period-Correct Classics

The Vintage Series focuses on authentic reproductions of historically significant wheel designs:

Construction and Engineering

ET Wheels combines traditional manufacturing techniques with modern quality control:

Materials and Methods

Structural Features

Finish Options

ET Wheels are available in several authentic finishes:

Sizing and Fitment Options

ET Wheels offers comprehensive sizing options:

Staggered Packages

ET Wheels excels in offering period-correct staggered wheel packages:

Vehicle Applications

ET Wheels are ideal for several classic vehicle styles:

The ET Wheels Advantage

Several factors distinguish ET Wheels in the marketplace:

Key Takeaways

To explore the complete range of ET Wheels for your classic car or drag-inspired build, visit ET Wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "ET" stand for in ET Wheels?

The "ET" in ET Wheels stands for "Elapsed Time," a direct reference to the brand's deep roots in drag racing culture. In drag racing, elapsed time refers to the total time it takes a vehicle to travel the quarter-mile distance from a standing start. This name highlights the brand's authentic connection to racing heritage and performance. ET Wheels emerged during the golden era of American drag racing when enthusiasts wanted to bring the same style they saw at the track to their street machines, making ET one of the most recognizable wheel brands among classic car aficionados.

What makes ET Wheels ideal for a gasser-style build?

ET Wheels is particularly well-suited for gasser-style builds because they offer period-correct designs and specialized staggered fitments that create the iconic gasser stance. Their Gasser Series wheels feature authentic styling with narrower front wheels and wider rear wheels, replicating the look of 1960s drag strip favorites. The distinctive 5-spoke patterns, elongated lug holes, and appropriate diameters (typically smaller in front, larger in rear) capture the essence of original gasser race cars. Additionally, ET Wheels offers the correct backspacing options needed to achieve the nose-high, rear-squatted stance that defines the gasser look while ensuring proper tire clearance with typical gasser modifications.

How do ET Wheels compare to other classic wheel brands?

ET Wheels distinguishes itself from other classic wheel brands through its direct connection to drag racing heritage and specialized focus on authentic racing-inspired designs. While brands like American Racing and Cragar offer broader product lines, ET maintains a tighter focus on wheels that capture specific racing aesthetics. In terms of construction, ET Wheels offers comparable quality to other established brands, using similar aluminum alloys and manufacturing processes. Where ET truly stands apart is in their expertise with period-correct staggered fitments and gasser-style applications. Their pricing typically falls in the mid-range of the market, offering better value than premium billet brands while providing more authentic drag racing styling than generic alternatives.

Can ET Wheels be used with modern tires?

Yes, ET Wheels are fully compatible with modern tires despite their vintage styling. The wheels are designed with contemporary bead safety features and correct rim profiles to work perfectly with today's radial tire technology. While maintaining the classic appearance of wheels from the 1960s and 1970s, ET has updated the engineering to meet current safety standards and fitment requirements. Most ET wheels accept standard modern valve stems and TPMS sensors when required. For the most period-correct appearance, many enthusiasts pair ET wheels with specialty tires that offer modern construction with vintage styling, such as raised white letter or redline designs, creating the perfect combination of classic looks with modern performance and safety.

What's the difference between ET Drag and ET Gasser wheels?

The primary differences between ET Drag and ET Gasser wheels lie in their design intent and typical fitment applications. ET Drag wheels feature the classic 5-spoke design with a consistent profile and are typically used in matched sets with the same or similar sizes front and rear. They're designed for traditional street/strip muscle car applications where a balanced appearance is desired. ET Gasser wheels, on the other hand, are specifically designed for the distinctive "nose-high" gasser stance, with narrower diameters and widths for the front (typically 15x4 or 15x4.5) paired with wider rear wheels (often 15x8 or wider). Gasser wheels also often feature more period-specific styling cues like elongated lug holes and raw finishing options that recreate the purpose-built appearance of 1960s competition vehicles.

ET Wheels