Cragar Wheel
Cragar Wheel, a heritage brand owned by The Carlstar Group, designs and sells styled aftermarket wheels for American muscle cars, hot rods, restored classics, modern performance vehicles, and specialty vehicles, distributed through major online retailers and international dealers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1930
- HeadquartersAiken, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Cragar Wheel does
Cragar Wheel is a heritage American automotive aftermarket brand specializing in styled wheels for classic muscle cars, hot rods, restored vehicles, modern performance cars, and specialty vehicles such as golf carts. Founded in 1930 by Crane Gartz, the brand acquired its current iconic status when founder Roy Richter created the S/S (Super Sport) wheel in 1964—a five-spoke composite design pairing a chrome-plated steel rim with an aluminum center, proven to be roughly twice as strong as standard wheels. The product portfolio has since expanded into steel wheels (Nomad, Smoothie, D-Window, Rally, Soft 8), mag wheels (Street Pro, V-5), composite wheels (Keystone Klassic), and modern muscle lines (Rally II, 614C S/S) for vehicles with larger brake systems.
The underlying technical differentiators are Cragar's 2-piece composite construction, proprietary Uni-Lug and Tri-Lug fitment systems that allow a single wheel to fit multiple bolt patterns, magnesium Mag Wheels introduced for high-performance use, and an online Custom Offset Shop enabling per-order configuration with 1/8" offset increments. Cragar generates revenue through hardware sales of wheels—priced between roughly $244 and $300 MSRP for current lines—distributed via a channel-partner model that includes Summit Racing Equipment, JEGS, Quadratec, Performance Plus Tire, TirePros, and TireBuyer, complemented by a Find a Retailer locator and international dealers. Customer segments are primarily individual enthusiasts and SMB buyers in the classic muscle car restoration, hot rod/street rod, drag racing, modern muscle, and specialty vehicle (golf cart/off-road) categories, with brand ambassadorships (notably Mark Worman of Graveyard Carz) supporting community-led marketing.
Cragar has operated as a brand owned by The Carlstar Group, LLC since 2014, when the group acquired it from Titan International Inc., which retains the trademark and licenses it to Carlstar. The Carlstar Group is a privately held Tennessee-based manufacturer of original-equipment and aftermarket tires and wheels, employing approximately 3,400 associates across 15 facilities in four countries. Cragar's own direct headcount is in the 11-50 range, indicating it is a focused sub-brand leveraging the parent's manufacturing, distribution, and operational scale.
Cragar Wheel firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cragar Wheel
- Legal name
- The Carlstar Group, LLC
- Website
- https://cragarwheel.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1930
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Cragar Wheel, a heritage brand owned by The Carlstar Group, designs and sells styled aftermarket wheels for American muscle cars, hot rods, restored classics, modern performance vehicles, and specialty vehicles, distributed through major online retailers and international dealers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cragar Wheel industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aftermarket Automotive Wheels
- NAICS
- Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing (336330)
- SIC
- Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aftermarket Wheels, Tires & TPMS Accessories Manufacturing (Rims/Spacers/Valve Stems/TPMS Sensors) (IMACANAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Wheels & Rims Manufacturing (Steel/Alloy) (IMACAIAJ)
Keywords
Where Cragar Wheel is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Aiken
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cragar Wheel business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel
Revenue model
- Aftermarket Wheel Sales: Cragar generates revenue through direct sales of styled wheels to consumers and enthusiasts. Products are sold through online retailers and the company's Find a Retailer locator. Wheels are sold individually or as complete tire-and-wheel assemblies.
- Licensing Royalties: Cragar expanded through licensing deals from the 1980s through 2004, licensing the brand name to other manufacturers including Performance Wheel Outlet and Carlisle Tire and Wheel Co.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | S/S 15" x 4.5" Front-Runner wheels |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Series 380S Rally II wheels |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Offset Orders |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels8 records
Cragar Wheel product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cragar Wheel designs, manufactures, and distributes styled aftermarket wheels for classic muscle cars, hot rods, restored classics, modern performance vehicles, and golf carts. The product portfolio spans the iconic S/S (Super Sport) chrome line, steel wheels, vintage mag wheels, composite Keystone Klassic wheels, Modern Muscle wheels, and golf cart wheels, with custom offset ordering and an online vehicle visualizer tool.
Product overview
Cragar Wheel is a portfolio of stylized aftermarket wheels for American muscle cars, classic vehicles, hot rods, and golf carts. The product line is organized across multiple wheel types: S/S (Super Sport) series as the flagship original muscle car wheel; Steel wheels including Nomad, Smoothie, Rally, Soft 8, and D-Window series; Mag wheels including Street Pro and V-5 series; Composite wheels like the Keystone Klassic combining steel and aluminum; Modern Muscle wheels (610C, 614C S/S, Rally II) for newer performance vehicles; and Golf Cart wheels (401C S/S). The company also offers a Custom Offset Shop for custom wheel orders and a Vehicle Visualizer tool. Wheels are primarily chrome or gloss black finished, ranging from 10-20 inches in diameter, with load ratings from 825 to 3,650 lbs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- S/S Series: The Original Muscle Car Wheel line - Cragar's most popular custom chrome wheel design featuring a chrome plated steel rim and aluminum center.
- Keystone Klassic
- Modern Muscle
- Rally II
- 401C S/S Golf
Products and services
- S/S (Super Sport) Series The original muscle car wheel line and most popular custom chrome wheel design. Features 2-piece composite construction with steel rim and aluminum center. Known as 'The Original Muscle Car Wheel' with iconic five-spoke style for muscle car and hot rod enthusiasts.
- Series 08/61 S/S 2-piece composite wheel (steel rim with aluminum center) with Uni-Lug fitment. Chrome finish, rated load 1580 lbs. Available in sizes from 14x6 to 15x14 with various bolt patterns including 5x4.0, 5x4.5, 5x4.75, 5x5.0, 5x5.5.
- Series 61C S/S Direct fit S/S wheel with 5-spoke or 6-spoke designs. Chrome finish, rated load 1580-2200 lbs depending on configuration. Available in sizes from 15x4.5 to 17x9 with 'Special Backspace' variants for custom applications.
- Series 310 Nomad 2-piece steel wheel with white finish featuring red and blue stripes. Designed for restored classic, muscle car, or hot rod applications. Sizes from 15x6 to 16x8 with various bolt patterns.
- Series 313 Smoothie Classic smooth steel wheel design with chrome finish. Flexible in design with durability and strength. Available in dual fit and direct fit configurations. Sizes from 14x6 to 15x10.
- Series 390C Street Pro Vintage mag wheel creating old-fashioned yet timeless feel for muscle car enthusiasts. Chrome finish with lug cover and spinner included. Dual fit design. Sizes from 15x6 to 17x9.
- Series 32 Keystone Klassic 2-piece composite wheel with steel rim and aluminum center. Chrome with black accents finish. Tri-Lug fitment with mag lug nuts. Classic design combining steel and aluminum in tasteful construction. Sizes from 15x6 to 15x12.
- Series 342 'D' Window Steel wheel with gloss black finish featuring red and blue stripes. Sizes from 15x7 to 17x9 with various bolt patterns. Designed for restored classic, muscle car, or hot rod applications.
- Series 344 Rally Classic rally-style steel wheel with silver finish. Traditional look for true muscle car enthusiasts. Sizes from 14x7 to 15x10.
- Series 365 V-5 V-style 5-spoke mag wheel with gloss black finish. Sizes from 15x7 to 15x10. Designed for classic muscle car applications.
- Series 397 Soft 8 Steel wheel with gloss black finish. Durable design with various sizes from 15x7 to 17x9. Load ratings up to 3650 lbs for heavy-duty applications.
- Series 401C S/S Golf 1-piece cast aluminum golf cart wheel inspired by classic S/S design. Chrome finish. Lightweight at 8-10.9 lbs with load rating of 825 lbs. Available in 10, 12, and 14 inch sizes.
- Series 380S Rally II 1-piece cast aluminum wheel built on iconic Rally series line. Silver finish with mirrored machined lip. Designed for upgraded brake systems. Sizes 17x8, 17x9, 18x8 inches. Load rating 2,000-2,400 lbs.
- Series 610C Mag chrome wheel with direct drill design. Perpetually tasteful head-turner for car enthusiasts. Sizes from 15x7 to 18x8 inches.
- Series 614C S/S (Modern Muscle) Modern spin on original S/S wheel with 5-spokes and chrome finish. Modern muscle wheel showcasing Cragar's grassroots with fresh style. Sizes from 18x8 to 20x10 inches.
- Cragar S/S 15" x 4.5" Front-Runner Re-introduced classic front-runner wheel for NHRA nostalgia gasser class racing and front-fitment muscle car applications. Chrome finish with 5-spoke design, load rating 1580 lbs, MSRP ranging from $290-$300. Available in 08/61 Series Uni-Lug and 61C Series configurations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 622.407 mph world land speed record (1970)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Cragar Wheel
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Cragar Wheel technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Cragar Wheel partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Carlstar GroupcoreThe Carlstar Group acquired the Cragar brand of aftermarket styled wheels in 2014 from Titan International Inc. The Carlstar Group focuses on keeping the legacy alive by honoring traditional vintage Cragar wheels while looking for innovative ways to push the name towards the future. The Carlstar Group is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee and employs 3,400+ associates in 15 facilities across 4 countries.
- Titan International Inc.minorTitan International Inc. retains ownership of the Cragar trademarks and licenses the brand to The Carlstar Group. The company is a global manufacturer of off-highway tires and wheels.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cragar Wheel competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Cragar Wheel social profiles
Digital presenceCragar Wheel financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cragar Wheel leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Cragar Wheel funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cragar Wheel M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cragar Wheel
What does Cragar Wheel do?
Cragar Wheel designs, manufactures, and distributes styled aftermarket wheels for classic muscle cars, hot rods, restored classics, modern performance vehicles, and golf carts. The product portfolio spans the iconic S/S (Super Sport) chrome line, steel wheels, vintage mag wheels, composite Keystone Klassic wheels, Modern Muscle wheels, and golf cart wheels, with custom offset ordering and an online vehicle visualizer tool.
Is Cragar Wheel a public or private company?
Cragar Wheel is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Cragar Wheel founded?
Cragar Wheel was founded in 1930. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Cragar Wheel based?
Cragar Wheel is headquartered in Aiken, United States, in the North America region.
How does Cragar Wheel make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Aftermarket Wheel Sales are the primary driver. The others are licensing Royalties.
Does Cragar Wheel have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cragar Wheel.
What industry is Cragar Wheel in?
Cragar Wheel's product category is Aftermarket Automotive Wheels. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACANAF, Aftermarket Wheels, Tires & TPMS Accessories Manufacturing (Rims/Spacers/Valve Stems/TPMS Sensors), with a secondary code of IMACAIAJ, Wheels & Rims Manufacturing (Steel/Alloy). Its NAICS code is 336330 and its SIC code is 3714.