The wheels have it
A car’s silhouette is generally the defining aspect of its appeal, but on some models the wheels end up being the stars of the show.
Sometimes, wheels even transcend the vehicle they were originally paired with and become iconic in their own right.
So here we’ve brought together some of our favourite stock wheel designs and the cars that wear them, presented in alphabetical order of the car.
1. Alfa Romeo 156
Alfa Romeo’s 156 rocked a great set of Teledial wheels.
The advertisement for the Sportwagon version was famously a scene of Catherine Zeta-Jones crawling through the capacious boot to get to the driver’s seat.
The 156 line-up also had some punchy engines, including the 1.9 TD and 2.0 TS, and the 3.2 GTA pictured here.
Alfa Romeo 156 (cont.)
These Teledial wheels have endured for countless iterations and evolutions, and been used by several manufacturers, but some of the earliest examples make it most clear where the name came from.
Just like an old-school telephone, the rings look like the dial, hence the ‘Teledial’ moniker.
2. Aston Martin DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 needs no introduction, as one of the most iconic film vehicles thanks to the James Bond franchise.
And even in its stock form without 007’s gadgets, the DB5 has a special, eye-catching weapon: its stunning chrome wire wheels.
Aston Martin DB5 (cont.)
Whilst many classic cars wear chrome wire wheels, few do it better than the DB5.
These wheels are seen on the likes of MGs, Jaguar E-types and Austin-Healeys, and whether it’s stock or an upgrade, wire wheels add a level of class – and increase how long it will take you to clean the car!
3. BMW E30
The E30 was highly successful at launch and today it is a much-coveted classic.
Whether it’s a project car or a mint-condition M3, any E30 looks the business with a set of cross-spoke wheels.
Granted, Alpina wheels are next level, but BMW’s stock wheels set a high bar.
BMW E30 (cont.)
These cross-spoke wheels look like a spider’s web that’s been cast in a perfect geometrical pattern.
They are almost as detailed as wire wheels, but in a modern way that complements the boxy BMW styling.
If anything, we’d argue these cross-spoke wheels are better looking than the Alpina set created for the E30.
4. BMW E34 M5
In 1990, Autocar & Motor said of the E34 M5: ʻIt has the highest top speed, the best through-the-gears acceleration, the best handling/ride compromise and the best performance/economy ratio of any car with the ability to transport four adults and their luggage. Roadholding, braking power, and suspension and body control unquestionably take production saloon-car standards several notches higher.’
Arguably, this was the true beginnings of BMW’s prolific M5 Touring cars.
BMW E34 M5 (cont.)
The M5 was equipped with the ‘throwing stars’ style of wheels instead of the ‘turbine’ set.
Unusually, though, both of these designs were actually glorified hubcaps on top of five-spoke wheels.
In theory, an E34 owner could buy a set of covers and easily swap the design instead of having to invest in a whole new set of wheels.
5. BMW M1
BMW has done an excellent job of creating interesting wheels over the years, in fact, BMW features most heavily on this list – and here’s our last pick from the German giant.
This two-seater supercar is a monument to ’80s wedge design and it sits on a futuristic set of wheels that were recreated in the 2008 M1 Homage Concept to commemorate the M1’s 30th anniversary.
BMW M1 (cont.)
Although the M1 wheel is fairly simple, it’s an unusual pattern that, thanks to its aerodynamic design, we could see being revived.
Just 453 BMW M1s were ever produced, so genuine wheels are hard to come by – a set can sell for anywhere up to around $20,000.
6. Delage D8
The French manufacturer Delage produced this eight-cylinder luxury model from 1929-1940.
In keeping with the period, Delage made the rolling chassis and the vehicles wore bodies crafted by various coachbuilders, leading to a wide range of body types and styles.
Delage D8 (cont.)
There were two versions of this wheel offered for the D8.
There was a partial chrome wire wheel with a central chrome cap, or the style pictured that’s like an early Teledial design.
The sleek elegance of it complements the Delage’s smooth lines.
7. De Lorean DMC-12
We all know that the De Lorean DMC-12 wasn’t the world’s most reliable or successful model, Hollywood fame apart.
The firm filed for bankruptcy when around 9000 units had been made.
De Lorean DMC-12 (cont.)
The stainless-steel bodywork and gullwing doors always get a mention, but we think the De Lorean’s wheels deserve to be celebrated.
They are needlessly intricate, but that’s all part of their beauty and appeal.
8. Ferrari F40
One of the ultimate Ferraris, of course we had to include the F40.
It makes the cut for one of the best rear wings, it qualifies as one of the more recognisable cars with pop-up headlights, plus it wears a stunning set of wheels.
Ferrari F40 (cont.)
The F40 wears striking split-rim wheels.
The star nuts around the rim secure the two parts together.
Unlike traditionally branded wheels with the company’s logo in the centre, the F40’s wheels don’t carry the Prancing Horse but are, nonetheless, instantly recognisable.
9. Ford GT40
The GT40 is famed for its Le Mans victories, being the first Ford to win the event when it claimed the 1966 edition.
The pictured example competed in the same race, shared by Ronnie Bucknum and Dick Hutcherson, who finished third, while Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren were first to the flag.
Ford GT40 (cont.)
We think the GT40’s Halibrand wheels are fabulous.
Made from a magnesium alloy that makes them super lightweight but also strong, they don’t just look great, there is style as well as substance here.
10. Ford Model T
We are sticking with Ford here but winding back the clock.
Of course, the earliest cars took inspiration, to a degree, from the horse and cart, and the Model T, sold between 1908 and 1927, had wooden wheels.
Ford Model T (cont.)
These wheels were a significant improvement on metal-wrapped wooden wheels, because at least the tyres provide a small amount of cushioning.
Just like metal wheels, damp conditions aren’t ideal in the long run for wooden wheels so it’s becoming harder to find original intact Model T wheels.
Thankfully, the wood can sometimes be restored or the wheels can be reproduced accurately.
11. GMC Syclone
Many of our favourite stock wheels belong to high-performance sports cars, but the GMC Syclone is a pick-up with some seriously cool rims.
Well, it needed them to reflect its pace: 0-60mph in 4.6 secs with a top speed of 124mph.
It was reportedly the fastest production truck of 1991.
GMC Syclone (cont.)
The Syclone’s wheels are vaguely reminiscent of the BMW throwing stars wheels we saw earlier.
Even if the funky design is just for show, surely turbine-style wheels are like go-faster stripes in that they must be good for an extra 10bhp. That’s how it works, right?!
Regardless, a good set of wheels completes the look.
12. Lamborghini Murciélago
A little more than 4000 Murciélagos were produced throughout the noughties, marking the dawn of Lamborghini’s 21st-century supercars.
The marque hasn’t looked back and we think the Murciélago’s wheels wouldn’t look out of place on the latest Lamborghini Huracán.
Lamborghini Murciélago (cont.)
At a glance, there’s nothing out of the ordinary about the Murciélago’s wheels, but the added semi-circular detail on each spoke gives them a depth that’s hard to achieve without smooth lines.
It creates a fan-blade-like look, but one that’s classy and worthy of being worn by a Lamborghini supercar.
13. Lancia Delta Integrale
Of course, we all remember the Delta Integrale HF version of this Lancia that scooped six World Rally Championship manufacturer titles in succession between 1987 and 1992.
On the rally stage or the road, the Delta Integrale had some fetching wheel options – and this is our pick.
Lancia Delta Integrale (cont.)
Beneath the slightly flared wheelarches, sits these gorgeous dual-row rims.
Unlike traditional designs, the two rows create an illusion that makes the 16in wheels seem larger than they really are.
If the Delta Integrale didn’t make enough of an entrance as it was, it feels like these wheels should get a platform of their own – but they will take some time to clean.
14. Maserati Boomerang
Granted, this is a one-off concept car, not a production model, but we still feel the Maserati Boomerang deserves inclusion.
It was penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and produced by Italdesign, and the Bora-based creation appeared as a mock-up at the 1971 Turin show, then as a road-ready car at the following year’s Geneva motor show.
Maserati Boomerang (cont.)
Perhaps such a wedge-shaped car had to incorporate straight lines into its wheel design?
They’re certainly eye-catching and would surely have provided one of many talking points when it was revealed in the early 1970s.
15. Nissan 370Z Nismo
This Nismo spec is the range-topping version of the Nissan 370Z.
It packs a punch with the 3.7-litre V6 and it was only available with rear-wheel drive, a six-speed manual gearbox and with a dual sport exhaust.
When new, in 2009, it was criticised for being a steep price hike over the standard spec.
Nissan 370Z Nismo (cont.)
A car like the 370Z simply has to have cool wheels – boring won’t cut it.
These Nismo wheels seem to curve out to claw the edge of the tyre. Alternatively, there are five snake tongues curling from the innards of the car.
Either way, it gives the 370Z a mean look and sets the Nismo version apart.
16. Pontiac Trans Am
From 1967-2002, the Pontiac Firebird was marketed as a competitor for the Ford Mustang.
It never reached the same heights as the pony car, but the Firebird was a new take on the muscle-car movement.
The second-generation Trans Am specification was the most popular example and sports these attractive honeycomb wheels.
Pontiac Trans Am (cont.)
Trans Ams rose in popularity thanks to the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit, starring Burt Reynolds.
It featured a black Firebird with gold decals which has become a desirable specification for this model.
The centre of the honeycomb wheels shows the Firebird illustration which is also present on the bonnet. Neat.
17. Porsche 911
The year 1965 saw the introduction of the Fuchs wheel for the Porsche 911 S – and since then the two have been indelibly linked and loved.
Created by the Cologne-based alloy foundry Otto Fuchs KG, the wheels are made of 97% aluminium, and that last 3% includes magnesium, silicon, manganese and titanium.
Porsche 911 (cont.)
An innovative new alloy combination meant the Fuchs wheels shaved 3kg (around 6lb) off compared to the original steel construction.
Until 1989, Fuchs wheels were available as standard or optional equipment on new 911s.
18. Renault 18 Turbo
Family cars that were once commonplace on the roads but are now seldom seen have risen in popularity as trendy classics to preserve.
The Renault 18 Turbo came at an age where few cars were equipped with a turbo.
By today’s standards it wasn’t particularly performance-focused, but 110bhp goes a long way in a car that only weighs 2355lb (1068kg).
Renault 18 Turbo (cont.)
These wheels make a fairly standard-looking car into something rather more interesting.
Being a non-symmetrical pattern, we think it could get a little annoying if the wheels were out of line with each other, but the overall look is a great exercise in eye-catching minimalism.
The design is said to be more aerodynamic than the standard wheel and paired well with the Turbo’s lower door graphics.
19. Saab 99 turbo
There was a magic to the Saab 99 turbo, but it was too late to save its maker.
Instead, we can only think of what Saab could’ve been if it had been able to continue with modern reimaginings of its adventurous ’70s designs – and we definitely include this model’s fetching Inca wheels in that statement.
Saab 99 turbo (cont.)
Let’s take a closer look at this Saab’s Inca wheels.
They elevate the model and add an extra textural dimension that catches the light and draws the eye in.
20. Spyker C8
The C8 might be an obscure pick, because it’s estimated that fewer than 300 of these were made, but its propeller-style wheels are inspired by Spyker’s aircraft heritage.
Spyker’s logo also hints at its past with a propeller pictured over a wire wheel – an aircraft-like dashboard and switchgear are inside, too.
Spyker C8 (cont.)
These wheels reportedly belong to the Spyker C8 that featured in the film Fast & Furious 6 with Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Perhaps fittingly, the Dutch brand’s motto ‘Nulla tenaci invia est via’ means ‘For the tenacious, no road is impassable’.
21. Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The Subaru Impreza has reached cult status. After several WRX cars with Colin McRae connections have sold for well into six figures, it’s clear to see the Subaru fan club is only growing – and will likely continue to do so.
This is one of the few cars that effortlessly pulls off gold wheels. In the classic Subaru World Rally blue, the colours work beautifully together.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (cont.)
There have been several iterations of Subaru’s gold wheels, but we can’t get over how good these ones look on the WRX STI.
This colour combination will, of course, forever be synonymous with Subaru's World Rally Championship team.
It’s instantly recognisable as a Subaru and few other cars look as comfortable wearing a set of gold wheels.
22. Volkswagen Mk1 Golf GTI Pirelli
This special-edition version was immensely popular, with 10,500 units snapped up within six months.
In fact, the Golf itself was a far greater success than Volkswagen ever anticipated.
Thanks to the popularity of this model, it was revived for the 25th anniversary in 2008, but that car didn’t receive special P-slot Pirelli wheels like the original.
Volkswagen Mk1 Golf GTI Pirelli (cont.)
This shameless branding opportunity seemingly paid off in a way it only would in the 1980s.
It’s a subtle enough design that isn’t too in-your-face but, at the same time, draws more attention than just having ‘Pirelli’ written on the tyre’s sidewall.
We’re a bit surprised the idea didn’t catch on.
We hope you enjoyed reading. Please click the ‘Follow’ button for more super stories from Classic & Sports Car.