A Rostyle wheel is a distinctive style of automotive wheel, most commonly a pressed steel wheel designed to emulate the appearance of an alloy wheel, often featuring a black painted centre with a contrasting bright (typically chrome) trim ring and hubcap. The name "Rostyle" is a portmanteau derived from Rubery Owen, a prominent British engineering company that manufactured these wheels, and "style."
Design and Construction
Rostyle wheels were primarily constructed from pressed steel, making them more durable and cost-effective to produce than cast alloy wheels. Their characteristic appearance involved:
- Pressed Steel Disc: The main body of the wheel was a standard pressed steel disc, strong and relatively inexpensive.
- Black or Dark Centre: The central portion of the wheel, including the "spokes" or cut-out sections, was typically painted in a dark colour, most often satin black or a dark grey.
- Bright Trim Ring: A separate, highly polished or chrome-plated trim ring was affixed to the outer rim of the wheel. This trim ring provided a visual contrast to the dark centre and simulated the polished lip often found on alloy wheels.
- Central Hubcap: A small, often chromed, central hubcap or centre cap covered the wheel nuts, further enhancing the finished look.
This design gave the impression of a more premium, multi-piece wheel without the higher cost or manufacturing complexity of a true alloy wheel.
History and Popularity
Rostyle wheels gained significant popularity in the Uniteds Kingdom and Europe from the late 1960s through the 1970s and into the early 1980s. They were a common factory-fitted option or standard equipment on a wide range of vehicles, particularly those from British manufacturers.
Notable applications included:
- MG: Famous for their appearance on models like the MGB GT V8, MGB Midget, and MG RV8.
- Ford of Britain: Used on various models, including the Ford Capri, Ford Escort, and Ford Cortina.
- Triumph: Featured on cars like the Triumph Stag and Triumph TR6.
- Rover: Equipped on models such as the Rover P6 and early Range Rover classics.
- Vauxhall: Found on certain Vauxhall models.
Their widespread adoption was due to their ability to offer a sportier and more upscale aesthetic than standard painted steel wheels, at a lower cost than full alloy wheels. They struck a balance between appearance, durability, and affordability, making them a popular choice for both manufacturers and car buyers.
Legacy
Today, Rostyle wheels are considered a classic design and are highly sought after by enthusiasts restoring period-correct vehicles from the era in which they were popular. They remain an iconic visual element of many British classic cars, instantly recognizable and synonymous with the automotive styling of the late 20th century.