Cragar Wheels

Cragar: An American Performance Legend Since 1964

Few wheel brands capture the essence of American muscle car culture like Cragar. Founded in 1964 through the merger of Crane Cams and Weiand Racing Equipment (CRANE + WEIAND = CRA-GAR), this iconic brand quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the performance aftermarket. For generations of enthusiasts, Cragar wheels have symbolized authentic American performance, combining timeless styling with rugged durability and competitive pricing.

The Cragar legacy is built on wheels that defined an era—designs that adorned countless street machines, drag racers, and custom builds during the golden age of American performance. Today, Cragar continues to offer both authentic reproductions of their classic designs and modern interpretations that bring that timeless aesthetic to contemporary vehicles.

The Iconic Cragar SS: America's Most Famous Wheel

No discussion of Cragar can begin without focusing on their most legendary creation: the Cragar SS (Super Sport). Introduced in 1964, the SS quickly became one of the most recognizable and sought-after wheels in automotive history.

Cragar SS Series

The SS series features the iconic design that has stood the test of time for nearly six decades:

The SS design perfectly balances street style with racing heritage, featuring distinctive 5-spoke chrome centers with black recessed areas and chrome outer lips. This two-piece appearance (though constructed as a single unit) creates an unmistakable look that has remained relevant through changing trends and eras.

Classic Cragar Wheel Collections

Street Pro Series

The Street Pro series offers performance-oriented designs with classic Cragar DNA:

Keystone Klassic Series

When Cragar acquired the legendary Keystone brand, they preserved these iconic designs under the Cragar umbrella:

G/T Series

The G/T series offers distinctive slotted designs reminiscent of vintage mag wheels:

Modern Cragar Collections

Eliminator Series

The Eliminator Series brings Cragar styling to contemporary applications:

Modern Muscle Series

The Modern Muscle Series combines classic Cragar DNA with contemporary styling cues:

Construction and Engineering

Cragar wheels are built to deliver both style and durability:

Materials and Manufacturing

Finish Options

Sizing and Fitment Options

Cragar offers comprehensive sizing options to accommodate both vintage and contemporary applications:

Vehicle Applications

Cragar wheels are perfect for several vehicle types:

The Cragar Advantage

Several factors distinguish Cragar wheels in the marketplace:

Key Takeaways

To explore the complete range of legendary Cragar wheels for your classic car or muscle machine, visit Cragar Wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Cragar SS wheel so special?

The Cragar SS (Super Sport) wheel revolutionized aftermarket wheels when introduced in 1964 with its distinctive design combining a chrome 5-spoke center and outer rim with contrasting black recessed areas. This created the appearance of a two-piece wheel at a fraction of the cost. Its perfect balance of street style and racing heritage made it instantly iconic. The SS became synonymous with the muscle car era, adorning countless performance vehicles and appearing in movies, magazines, and advertisements. Today, the Cragar SS remains virtually unchanged in appearance, representing one of the longest-running and most successful wheel designs in automotive history.

Are today's Cragar wheels the same as the originals from the 1960s?

Today's Cragar wheels maintain the authentic styling and visual identity of the originals while incorporating several manufacturing improvements. Modern Cragars benefit from advanced metallurgy, more precise machining tolerances, and superior plating processes that enhance durability and finish quality. The iconic SS model, for instance, retains its legendary appearance but now features better corrosion resistance and structural integrity than was possible with 1960s technology. For purists seeking absolute originality for show cars, Cragar occasionally offers special "historically accurate" editions, but most enthusiasts prefer the modern versions that combine classic aesthetics with improved performance.

How do Cragar wheels compare to billet aluminum wheels in terms of performance?

Cragar wheels and billet aluminum wheels serve different market segments with distinct performance characteristics. Traditional Cragar designs like the SS feature steel construction, providing excellent durability and a classic aesthetic at a more accessible price point. While heavier than billet alternatives, they offer outstanding strength for street applications. Billet aluminum wheels, being machined from solid aluminum blocks, typically offer weight savings that can improve acceleration and handling, plus greater design flexibility for contemporary styling. Cragar's modern aluminum cast wheels bridge this gap, offering lighter weight than their steel classics while maintaining the brand's value proposition. The choice ultimately depends on budget, intended use, and whether period-correct styling or weight reduction is the priority.

What vehicles look best with Cragar wheels?

Cragar wheels are most at home on American muscle cars, hot rods, and classic performance vehicles. The iconic SS model perfectly complements 1960s-1970s muscle cars like Chevelles, Camaros, Mustangs, and Road Runners, creating an instantly period-correct appearance. Traditional hot rods and customs based on 1930s-1950s American cars also pair beautifully with Cragars, especially the street rod-oriented models. For modern vehicles, Cragar's contemporary designs enhance current-generation muscle cars like Challengers, Mustangs, and Camaros, creating a connection to their heritage. Street trucks and performance SUVs can also benefit from Cragar's bold styling, particularly the modern series designed with larger diameters and appropriate load ratings for these applications.

How do I maintain the chrome finish on my Cragar wheels?

Maintaining Cragar's signature chrome finish requires regular care but isn't complicated. Wash the wheels frequently with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals and acidic wheel cleaners that can damage chrome plating. After washing, thoroughly dry the wheels to prevent water spots and apply a quality chrome-specific polish or wax to provide protection. For deeper cleaning, products specifically formulated for chrome are recommended. In winter or coastal areas, extra vigilance is necessary – road salt and sea spray can accelerate corrosion, so more frequent cleaning and protective treatments are advisable. When storing vehicles for extended periods, applying a protective coating to the chrome and ensuring the storage environment has controlled humidity will help preserve the brilliant finish.

Cragar Wheels