E-T Wheels: Authentic American Drag Racing Heritage

The Iconic Legacy of E-T Wheels

E-T Wheels (originally known as E-T Mags) stands as one of the most historically significant brands in American performance wheel history. Founded in the early 1970s during the height of the muscle car and drag racing era, E-T quickly established itself as a pioneer in cast aluminum wheel technology when most performance vehicles still rode on steel wheels or primitive magnesium designs.

What made E-T wheels revolutionary was their combination of reduced weight compared to factory steel wheels, improved strength over early magnesium options, and distinctive styling that became immediately recognizable on drag strips and street performance cars across America. Today, E-T wheels continue to represent authentic American automotive heritage, offering designs that capture the essence of the golden age of domestic performance while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques.

E-T's Classic Wheel Collections

E-T Classic Five Series

The original and most iconic design in the E-T lineup, the Classic Five features the timeless five-spoke pattern that helped define the look of American performance vehicles in the 1970s. Available in diameters ranging from 15" to 17", these wheels maintain the authentic proportions and styling cues of the original E-T designs while incorporating modern manufacturing standards. Finish options typically include polished aluminum, as-cast, and various painted accents that highlight the dimensional aspects of the classic five-spoke pattern. The clean, uncluttered design makes these wheels ideal for period-correct restorations and traditional muscle car builds seeking authentic styling.

E-T Fueler Series

Drawing direct inspiration from vintage front-engine dragsters and altered wheelbase race cars, the Fueler Series showcases E-T's racing heritage. These wheels feature distinctive designs including the "kidney bean" holes and reinforced spoke patterns that evoke the early days of organized drag racing. Available primarily in 15" and 16" diameters with various widths to accommodate both front and dramatically wider rear applications, the Fueler Series has become a favorite for period-correct drag builds and street/strip cars. Finish options typically include polished, as-cast natural aluminum, and black or gold anodized treatments reminiscent of early racing wheels.

E-T Street Wire Series

Combining the classic wire wheel aesthetic with the durability of modern construction, the Street Wire Series offers an alternative to the spoke patterns most associated with E-T. These wheels feature multi-crosslace wire patterns reminiscent of early luxury and sports cars but engineered for the demands of high-performance applications. Available in 15" to 17" diameters, the Street Wire designs provide a distinctive appearance that bridges the gap between traditional hot rod styling and classic American luxury. Chrome and polished finishes dominate this collection, offering maximum visual impact for show vehicles and custom builds.

E-T Pro-Street Series

Designed specifically for the rear-wheel drive American performance vehicle market, the Pro-Street Series focuses on wheels intended for serious street/strip applications. These wheels feature reinforced construction to handle the torque and power of modified engines while maintaining relatively light weight. The most distinctive aspect of this series is the availability of extremely wide rear wheel options (up to 15" wide in some applications) alongside matching narrower front wheels, allowing for the classic "Pro-Street" stance with large rear tires. Finishes typically include polished faces with as-cast windows or full polishing for maximum visual impact.

Finish Options and Authenticity

E-T wheels are available in several finish options that maintain period-correct aesthetics:

• Fully Polished: The classic finish for many E-T wheels, featuring hand-polished surfaces that highlight the dimensional aspects of the design while providing maximum shine.
• As-Cast: A natural aluminum finish that showcases the raw metal appearance, popular for race applications and rat rod builds seeking a more utilitarian aesthetic.
• Polished Face with As-Cast Windows: A two-tone effect created by polishing only the face of the wheel while leaving the recessed areas in their natural as-cast state, highlighting the wheel's dimensional design.
• Anodized Gold: A period-correct finish option that was particularly popular in the 1970s, offering distinctive coloring that complements many muscle car paint schemes.
• Chrome: For maximum visual impact, fully chromed options provide the ultimate in shine and complement the chrome bumpers and trim found on many classic vehicles.

Construction and Engineering Heritage

E-T wheels combine vintage aesthetics with several important engineering considerations:

• Gravity-Cast Aluminum: The traditional manufacturing process used for original E-T wheels, now refined with modern quality control to ensure consistent structural integrity.
• Period-Correct Styling: Meticulous attention to proportions, spoke shapes, and dimensional details that faithfully recreate the look of classic drag and street performance wheels.
• Authentic Center Caps: Proper reproduction center caps featuring the iconic E-T logo that complete the period-correct appearance.
• Enhanced Load Ratings: While maintaining vintage styling, modern E-T wheels incorporate updated engineering to handle the power and weight of both restored and modified performance vehicles.
• Wide Range of Backspacing Options: Multiple backspacing choices allow for proper fitment on everything from stock-width vehicles to modified cars with tubbed rear wheel wells or altered suspensions.

Selecting the Right E-T Wheels

When choosing E-T wheels for your classic performance vehicle, consider these important factors:

1. Vehicle Period Authenticity: Determine whether you're building a period-correct restoration that would benefit from wheels available during your vehicle's era, or if you're creating a custom build that can incorporate later E-T designs.
2. Performance Requirements: Consider whether you need wheels primarily for show purposes or if they'll be subjected to the demands of drag racing, autocross, or other performance driving that might require specific strength characteristics.
3. Diameter and Width Selection: Decide whether to maintain original diameter specifications or slightly increase size, particularly important for rear wheels if you're planning a traditional street/strip setup with wider rear tires.
4. Offset and Backspacing: Especially critical for modified vehicles, ensure the wheel backspacing is appropriate for your suspension setup, tire width, and desired stance.
5. Finish Complementation: Select a finish that enhances your vehicle's overall appearance, considering how it will interact with your paint color, chrome trim, and overall build style.

For expert guidance in selecting the perfect E-T wheels for your classic American performance vehicle, explore the complete E-T Wheels collection with professional fitment assistance from our team.

Key Takeaways About E-T Wheels

Frequently Asked Questions About E-T Wheels