t’s been said “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” and when we borrow certain aspects of a car we’d like to tie into our own build, many of us tend to reach back to a certain car that impacted our lives at a young age. We then take that image and combine it with a car we’ve seen more recently, then integrate those ideas into a build that is likely to have a look and style all its own. Typically, no one would be inclined to build a car exactly like someone else’s, unless said build is paying homage to a historical vehicle, such as a Yenko Camaro or Grand Sport Corvette, built with the exact color, stripes, and graphics, while utilizing period-correct or similar wheels and tires with the intentions of making the car look as close to the original as possible. Beyond that, it’s rare to come across two cars of the same model and year with exact features. While some cars might look familiar, most custom restomods feature a design that’s uniquely tailored to the owner’s personal taste and vision.

Back in the ’60s and early ’70s wheel options were limited, which meant many hot rods and muscle cars had a similar look, one that many builders today use as a template due to its timeless hot rod look. But during the ’80s, ’90s, and early ’00s, build style and especially wheels went through, let’s say, a series of “trendy” or “experimental” phases—many of which were tasteless and simply unattractive.

As time moved on, wheels gradually got larger in diameter and 18-inchers became the norm, but not everyone was on board. Old-school hot rodders refused to conform to using these “massive,” modern-size wheels, but eventually even the most hardcore vintage muscle car guys came around and warmed up to the idea of using 18-, 19-, and even 20-inch wheels. With the right design and proper fitment between the fenders and quarter-panels, big rollers give even the most docile hot rod a more aggressive demeanor. Yes, we can agree to disagree on this.

Companies like Forgeline are now making old-school-inspired wheels in modern sizes, like this FL500 that resembles a 1969 GM SS wheel.

As we move forward in the classic muscle car world, I’ve recently noticed builds pivoting back to the roots of the muscle car era by utilizing factory-appearing rally or SS wheels built by aftermarket wheel companies in modern sizes. This combination is ideal for giving a classic muscle car a somewhat authentic look that coincides with a car’s born-on date yet offering modern handling and performance while allowing the use of modern, big disc brake systems. If you’ve ever driven a vintage car with factory brakes then you know firsthand about the panic that sets in when you mash the brake pedal in an emergency situation and braking distance and lateral pull becomes uncertain.

I’m all about progress, so if that means borrowing from the past to make room for the future of our hobby, count me in. But at the same time, if historical accuracy is an important aspect of your ride, then you do you and bolt on those 15-inch Keystone Klassics, Cragar S/S, or American Torq Thrusts wheels, and keep that authentic hot rod vibe alive, just remember to upgrade that vintage braking system.

You in?