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Wheel brand

Cragar

Cragar is one of the most iconic American wheel (mag) brands in tuning and classic car restoration. Founded in California, it popularized in 1964…

Off-road / Truck
Country of originÉtats-Unis
RegionAmérique du Nord
Founded1930 / roues aftermarket 1960s
GroupCragar Wheels
Positioningvalue street
StatusActive

Encyclopedia profile

History, reputation and uses

The Cragar Corporation was founded in 1930 in California by Crane Gartz (the name combines the first three letters of his first and last names). The company initially manufactured aircraft engines and cylinder heads for the Ford Model A, but the Great Depression slowed its growth. George Wight bought the company in 1933, then Roy Richter, a young manufacturer and race car driver, acquired it in 1955 and renamed it the Cragar Equipment Company. It was under his leadership that the legendary S/S (Super Sport) wheel appeared in 1964: a cast aluminum center (spider) fitted with integrated steel lugs, welded to a chromed steel rim, the whole assembly twice as strong as a standard wheel. The S/S took off in drag racing starting in 1965 (NHRA, IHRA, AHRA) and became, in the 1970s, the best-selling aftermarket wheel in America. Cragar expanded its lineup with magnesium wheels (1970), all-steel wheels, one- and two-piece aluminum applications, and slotted discs. In 1970, Cragar wheels were fitted to Gary Gabelich's Blue Flame, which reached 1001 km/h. Wynn Oil bought Cragar in 1971; after Richter's retirement in 1978, the brand passed through several licenses (Performance Wheel Outlet, Carlisle Tire and Wheel) before being acquired by The Carlstar Group in 2014. Cragar is therefore neither an original equipment (OEM) brand nor a replica brand: it is a historic performance and style brand with a retro/restoration focus, whose signature remains its chromed steel-aluminum composite construction. The current catalog blends faithful reissues (Series 61 S/S, Keystone Klassic) with contemporary one-piece cast aluminum designs (Eliminator, Modern Muscle), alongside rugged steel wheels (Soft 8) for trucks and classic projects.

Recommended use: Cragar is aimed first and foremost at classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods and restoration projects where the retro look comes first: Chevelle, Camaro, Mustang, Mopar and the like. The S/S, Keystone Klassic and Eliminator models target the road and the show floor, with 60s-70s drag accents. The Modern Muscle dresses up recent muscle cars (Camaro, Mustang, Charger, Challenger, 300) in large diameters and staggered fitments. The steel Soft 8 is better suited to trucks, SUVs and utility or classic builds. These are aftermarket wheels (not original equipment); check the bolt pattern and brake clearance before purchasing.

Technologies and manufacturing: Cragar's flagship technology is its two-piece composite construction: a cast aluminum center (sometimes die-cast) into which steel lugs are integrated, then welded to a chromed steel rim (Series 61 S/S, Keystone Klassic). This method combines the look of a mag with the strength of steel. The lineup also includes one-piece cast aluminum wheels (Eliminator, Modern Muscle), which are lighter and have a modern style, as well as all-steel stamped and welded wheels finished with powder coating (Soft 8). Historically, Cragar also produced magnesium wheels. Common finishes: chrome, polished, or painted center (gray/black) with a polished lip. Generous load ratings (often 1500-1900 lb depending on the model).

Key takeaways

  • Forte valeur nostalgique.
  • Style chrome/classique et applications old-school.

Strengths

  • Iconic retro look recognized worldwide (five-spoke S/S)
  • Very rugged steel-aluminum composite construction
  • High load ratings (up to ~1900 lb depending on the model)
  • Wide choice of finishes (chrome, polished, painted center)
  • Ideal for restorations and authentic muscle car builds

Points to check

  • Chrome is vulnerable to Quebec salt and calcium (winter corrosion)
  • Steel-aluminum construction is heavier than a modern cast wheel
  • Diameters and bolt patterns sometimes limited (lineup geared toward classics)
  • Vintage models in uni-lug or tri-lug: validate the precise fitment
  • Variable availability and a very distinctive style (not very versatile outside classics)

Models & families

Cragar wheel models

Filtered catalogue
Eliminator style route

The Eliminator (Series 500) modernizes Cragar's DNA: it's a one-piece cast-aluminum wheel with wider, flatter spokes that suit contemporary muscle cars while evoking the classic style. Available in 15- and 17-inch diameters (7- to 8-inch widths), it comes in chrome, full polish, or a gray/black center with polished lip, and includes a matching center cap. Being one-piece cast aluminum, it is lighter than steel-aluminum composite models, which helps with handling and comfort. High load ratings (around 1900 lb depending on size). Target audience: muscle car enthusiasts (Chevelle, Camaro, Mustang) seeking a retro-modern look in a larger diameter. In Quebec, aluminum tolerates salt better than bare steel, but the chrome finish remains sensitive: verify bolt pattern (e.g., 5x4.5, 5x5), offset, and brake clearance before mounting.

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Keystone Klassic style route

The Keystone Klassic (Series 32) revives one of the most famous mag designs of the automotive golden age: a five-spoke deep-dish look, finished in chrome with black accents. Two-piece composite construction: a chrome steel rim mated to an aluminum center, secured with Keystone mag washer lug nuts. Available in 15-inch diameter in several widths (15x6 to 15x12), it uses a tri-lug drilling compatible with 5x4.5, 4.75, and 5.0, which broadens vehicle compatibility. Load rating of about 1580 lb. Target audience: muscle car restorations and vintage-inspired modifications. In Quebec, like all chrome, it fears salt; reserve it for the fair season or maintain it rigorously. Be sure to check the precise bolt pattern and brake clearance, as the tri-lug drilling requires suitable lug nuts.

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Modern Muscle coulée

The Modern Muscle range reinterprets the Cragar style for recent muscle cars: Mustang, Camaro, Charger, Challenger, Magnum, and Chrysler 300. These are one-piece cast-aluminum wheels, often chromed, available in large diameters (up to 20 inches) and in staggered fitments (for example 20x8.5 in front and 20x10 in rear) for an aggressive look. Cast aluminum offers a good strength-to-weight ratio, suited to heavier and more powerful modern vehicles. The series combines Cragar's historic visual cues (pronounced spokes, performance spirit) with contemporary dimensions and bolt patterns. Target audience: owners of modern muscle cars wanting an unapologetic retro-American touch. In Quebec, account for the TPMS (pressure sensor) issue, verify the offset for clearance of the often-bulky brake calipers on these models, and keep in mind that chrome demands sustained upkeep against winter salt.

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S/S coulée

The S/S (Super Sport) is THE wheel that built Cragar's reputation, launched in 1964. Its five-spoke cast-aluminum center, mounted on a chrome steel rim, became an icon of the American muscle car and dragster. Composite construction: steel lugs integrated into the spider are welded to the barrel, making a wheel reputed to be twice as strong as an ordinary wheel of the era. In the 1970s, it was the best-selling aftermarket wheel in America. Now reissued (notably through the 61/08 series), it targets classic cars, hot rods, and restoration projects seeking a faithful original look. In Quebec, its chrome lip shines in the showroom but demands rigorous upkeep against salt and calcium; a second set for winter is recommended. Be sure to verify the bolt pattern and brake clearance, as the classic diameters (often 14-15 inches) suit mainly period vehicles.

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Series 61 flow formed

The Series 61 (61C S/S) is the modern, faithful reissue of the legendary five-spoke S/S wheel. It carries over Cragar's signature composite construction: a cast-aluminum center with integrated steel lugs, welded to a two-piece chrome steel rim, for a wheel that is both retro and very strong. The bolt patterns are direct drilled, which simplifies mounting compared to the old uni-lug systems. Available in several classic sizes, it is ideally suited to restorations and builds wanting the original S/S look with updated manufacturing. A 61C version with special backspace exists to improve clearance. Target audience: muscle car purists and hot rod enthusiasts. In Quebec, the chrome lip requires care against salt and calcium; verify the exact bolt pattern, offset, and brake clearance, and plan a separate winter set to preserve the finish.

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Soft 8 flow formed

The Soft 8 is a two-piece steel wheel with an eight-hole design, built for trucks, SUVs, hot rods, and classic projects. Stamped and welded, then finished in gloss black powder coat (or chrome), it offers ruggedness and a timeless look at an accessible price. Available in 15- to 17-inch diameters and widths up to 10-12 inches, in multiple bolt patterns and offsets, it fits a wide variety of vehicles. Its steel construction makes it an excellent utilitarian choice: more tolerant of pothole impacts and easy to repaint. For Quebec, the gloss black powder-coated steel holds up well and is easy to touch up, making it an attractive candidate as a dedicated winter wheel set. As always with an aftermarket wheel, verify bolt pattern, center bore, and brake clearance, and plan for TPMS if the vehicle requires it.

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Technical

What to confirm for a compatible wheel

fitment

Point technique à valider selon le véhicule, l'usage, la dimension et les recommandations du fabricant.

entraxe

Le bolt pattern doit correspondre exactement au moyeu du véhicule. Une approximation rend la roue incompatible.

offset

Le déport détermine la position de la roue vers l'intérieur ou l'extérieur et influence le dégagement des ailes et des freins.

alésage central

Le center bore doit être compatible avec le moyeu ou corrigé avec des bagues de centrage adaptées.

indice de charge

La jante doit supporter la charge du véhicule, surtout pour VUS, camionnettes, remorques et usages commerciaux.

TPMS

Point technique à valider selon le véhicule, l'usage, la dimension et les recommandations du fabricant.

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