The 10 Most Iconic Wheels In Automotive History

1. Ferrari F40

The Ferrari F40 is one of the defining sports cars of the late 1980s and early 90s. The wheels that it sits on are equally special and despite being only 17 inches at each corner (small by today’s supercar standards) they displayed all the confidence in design that became synonymous with the era.

2. BMW E30 Cross Spoke

The BMW E30’s cross spoke alloy wheels were an extra cost option when it was released in 1982. What made this design special was the way BMW employed it across its 3-series range. The M3, whilst a top-of-the-line model, also featured cross spoke alloys, linking it to the models that came underneath it.

3. Jaguar XJ220

Okay, so they may not be the most interesting wheels to look at, but when they carry a car on to over 200mph we can forgive that. They do have very low profile tyres (255/45ZR-17 at the front and 345/35ZR-18 at the rear), but that does keep the lines of the super-sleek Jag unspoiled by unsightly extra rubber.

4. Lamborghini Murcielago

When the Lamborghini Murcielago was released, it signified a new age for the once-stagnant Italian supercar builder. With new owner, Audi, Lamborghini once more had the freedom to create wild and fierce supercars.

The Murcielago, or ‘bat’ in Italian, was a Lamborghini that looked as dramatic as ever but had a safety net of four-wheel drive driven through these equally dramatic looking wheels.

5. Audi RS4

The B7 RS4 was a groundbreaking car for Audi, providing speed and refinement in one good looking package. The wheels that accompanied it were of an instantly recognisable design and also seperated the RS4 from the rest of Audi’s lineup.

6. BMW M3 CSL

The E46 BMW M3 was a startlingly capable car. The CSL model built on this accomplishment by shedding more weight by replacing the standard bumpers with ones made of carbonfibre. The wheels, whilst also looking great, were made of light magnesium contributing to the crash course diet that the M3 was put on to create the CSL.

7. Porsche 911 Fuchs

Porsche’s 911 design may have come under scrutiny over the years, but the wheels that featured on the early models deserve to be imitated. Made by Fuchs, they just look right don’t they?

8. Rolls-Royce Phantom

This list wouldn’t be complete without the big Roller’s rims, with their insignia in the middle which seemigly defies the laws of physics. Sure, they aren’t all that interesting to look at, but the way the Rolls-Royce emblem refuses to spin earns its place alongside the others here.

9. VW MK1 Golf GTI Pirelli

The MK1 Golf GTI arguably began the hot hatch revolution, and the Pirelli wheels that were fitted on launch were as good looking and subtle as the car itself. You don’t notice the design to begin with, which is what makes them so special.

10. Alfa Romeo 8C

These Alfa rims are just gorgeous. The circular design that we see on so many Alfas is striking, sleek and looks especially good on the 8C (pictured above). Surely one of the nicest designs on this list?

11. Ronal Teddies

Okay, we’ll admit they aren’t strictly manufacturer designed wheels, but wheels with teddy bears is something you don’t see every day.

Think we’ve missed any iconic wheel designs? Let us know in the comments section below.