American Racing introduced the Torq Thrust in the 1960s as car driving in the U.S. was extending past the family car and becoming something young adults went crazy for. These now Baby Boomers began looking at a car not just as transportation, but as an extension of their personality, and the aftermarket wheels provided the first real alternative to factory styles. Since that time, the company has created some of the most iconic wheels selected by car enthusiast and hot rodders alike.
The company began designing other wheels that would be driven on some of the most popular cars of their generation, including:
- The Torq Thrust wheel, which can be seen on the cars driven by the four teenage friends in the cult classic, “American Graffiti”
- Steve McQueen’s famous green 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 fastback in “Bullitt”
- The Dukes of Hazard drove the General Lee, a 1969 Dodge Charger with American Racing Vector wheels
- The A-Team rescued innocents inside its black and metallic gray 1983 GMC Vandura with a characteristic red stripe, a rooftop spoiler and red American Racing Vector wheels
“American Racing has left an indelible mark on American culture, which we think is a pretty powerful statement,” said Jody Groce, president at American Racing. “It’s hard to imagine that these wheels were featured on what is arguably the best chase scene in American cinema as well as iconic motorsports moments that many of our customers grew up watching as kids. I think what we have done is pretty special, and we are excited to talk about it.”
The company says the 60th anniversary of American Racing should remind enthusiasts everywhere about the historic impact on American culture the tires have had and how it has grown from a single iconic wheel to an industry that fuels the passion of millions of people.
For more information on American Racing, go to americanracing.com or on social media at Facebook and Instagram.
