Best Mustang Wheels of All Time

Best Mustang Wheels of All Time

Last Updated February 28, 2024 | Bill Tumas

We all know that a nice set of wheels can really change the look of your Mustang. For many owners, a new set of wheels and lowering springs might be the only modification they ever make. While there are lots of different wheels for classic and late-model Mustangs, there are a few in particular that are just perfect. Here are my picks for the top five Mustang wheels of all time!

5. The Styled Steel Wheel

The fifth spot on my list goes to the styled steel wheels. The styled steel wheel was first offered in 1965 as an option for the V8 Mustang. While steel wheels were the standard for the Classic Mustang, upgrading to the styled version got you much better-looking wheels than the stock ones. They featured a bright red center cap, and were originally offered in a 14" x 5". The wheel stayed basically unchanged from '65 through '66, but it got a blue center cap instead of red in 1967.

Styled Steel Mustang Wheels on a Classic Mustang

The styled steel wheel was such a popular option for Classic Mustangs that it's been available in a variety of sizes throughout the years. From the original 14-inch wheels all the way up to 20-inch versions for modern Mustangs, you can get them for almost any build. While I definitely prefer the look of smaller wheels on Classic Mustangs, you can't deny that the styled steel is an iconic look that's right at home on your first-gen Mustang.

4. The Weld DragLite

Weld Draglite Mustang Wheels on a Fox Body Mustang

I'm sure this won't come as a surprise to the Fox Body fans out there, but the fourth item on my list is the Draglite from Weld Racing.

At the height of their popularity in the mid-1980s, Fox Body Mustangs were some of the fastest cars around. They became especially popular at drag strips. Around that same time, Weld Draglite wheels hit the market, and they quickly became a favorite among Mustang owners. In the late '80s and early '90s, it was common to see Mustangs with 373's, Flowmaster exhausts, and Weld Draglites - almost as if those features had come straight from the factory.

Nowadays, the Weld Draglite is still a popular option for many Fox Body owners. In my opinion, it's one of the best-looking wheels in Mustang history.

3. The Bullitt Wheel

Bullett Mustang Wheels on an SN95 Mustang

Number three on my list is the Bullitt wheel. Originially found on the 1968 Bullitt Mustang, the dark Highland Green paint and the Bullitt wheels instantly set it apart from other Mustangs of the time. Back then, they were American Racing Torq Thrust D wheels, but Ford decided to make their own version of the wheel when they released a new Bullitt Mustang in 2001. These new Mustang Bullitt wheels were 17" x 8" and made out of cast aluminum.

Since then, these wheels have shown up on tons of SN95 and New Edge Mustangs. Owners loved the classic 5-spoke design and they were a very popular option. They're available in tons of different finishes and sizes ranging from 16 to 22 inches.

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2. The Magnum 500

Narrowing it down to just two was very difficult, as both contenders easily could have been No. 1. But for the second spot, I'm going with the Magnum 500 wheel.

Magnum 500 Mustang Wheels on a Mustang Boss 302

The first Magnum 500 wheel appeared on the Mustang in 1969 with the Boss 302 and 429. It was a 15" x 7" wheel with a classic chrome rim and black face. The Magnum 500 wheels weren't just for Mustangs, however. Versions of the wheel were used on a ton of Dodge and GM cars in the late '60s and early '70s. However, Magnum 500s looked their best on the Mustang, and they became famous for their association with the iconic car.

Magnum 500 wheels were available through 1970, but they've shown up on all kinds of Mustangs over the years. They've been reproduced in sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches and look great on every Mustang generation. This popularity and longevity make the Magnum 500 one of the most iconic Mustang wheels of all time. It's definitely the most iconic wheel for the Classic Mustang.

1. The Cobra R Wheel

Cobra R Mustang Wheels on an SN95 Mustang

Cobra R wheels are my top pick based on their sheer popularity. In 1995, Ford released the Mustang Cobra R, which was stripped down compared to the other models available at the time. It had a bigger engine, better transmission, and big brakes. The new Cobra R wheel also outranked all other options available.

The cast aluminum Cobra R wheel was a 17" x 9" wheel and came with a 255/45 BFGoodrich tire. But as everyone knows, a 275/40 tire fits great on that nine-inch wheel. Cobra R wheels were everywhere at the time, and Ford even carried the design over to the 1998 Cobra. Those were a 17" x 8", but they still had the iconic curved five-spoke look of the Cobra R wheels.

Now just like the other wheels on this list, Cobra R wheels came in many different sizes. You could get them as small as 16s or 17s, and as big as 20s and 22s.

The classic center cap with the snake is my favorite, but there are tons of other center caps that were available for the reproductions. If you're looking to get your hands on a set of wheels with that Cobra R design, you can still find many similar style wheels today.

What's Your Favorite Mustang Wheel?

At the end of the day, wheel choice is subjective. It's very likely that I didn't include your favorite set of wheels on this list, or maybe you disagree with my placement of a certain wheel. However, we can all agree that a great set of wheels can complete your Mustang.

Struggling to find a set of wheels and tires and not sure what's best for your ride? Check out this wheel and tire buying guide to help you make a decision.

This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about our editorial standards and guidelines.