RoStyle wheels were popular in the automotive industry, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. They were easily distinguishable by their distinctive look—a symmetrical pattern of oval-shaped holes—so much so that their introduction transformed the looks of several cars, making the wheels phenomenal in that era. Here are 15 vehicles that sported RoStyle rims and the unexpected results that followed.
Lotus Eclat
The Lotus Eclat, a stylish sports car, epitomized the fusion of effectiveness and elegance, further enhanced by its distinctive RoStyle wheels. Renowned for its handling prowess, the Eclat paired the beautiful wheels with a lightweight chassis and a potent engine lineup. As an example of British engineering from that era, the Lotus Eclat with its RoStyle wheels remains a sought-after classic among enthusiasts.
Ford Cortina
Combining RoStyle wheels with the Ford Cortina profoundly impacted the physical appeal and the market perception of this legendary family car. The rims contributed to Cortina’s value, making it look sportier and more contemporary. This enhancement attracted a younger demographic and revitalized the car’s image, positioning Cortina as a stylish and desirable choice within its segment.
Ford Capri
The Ford Capri combined its cute body with accessible performance. Introduced in the 1960s, it quickly became an icon, capturing the imagination of drivers seeking a blend of style and affordability. RoStyle wheels were a common feature of various Capri models. Their stamped steel design enhanced the car’s already appealing aesthetics, mimicking the look of more expensive alloy wheels.
Ford Escort
Escort’s portable size, sporty look, and versatile capabilities helped solidify its reputation as a popular choice among drivers worldwide. Like the earlier Mark I and Mark II models, it sometimes sported RoStyle rims. Such an upgrade improved its image as a sports car and complemented its agility and responsiveness.
Ford Granada
As a distinguished member of Ford’s lineup, the Ford Granada showcased elegance and sophistication, accentuated by its optional RoStyle wheels. Introduced in the mid-1970s, the Granada possessed a sleek build and features too advanced for its time. With their oval-shaped perforations, the RoStyle rims added modernity to the Granada’s appearance, making it more valuable on the road.
Austin Allegro
Produced by British Leyland from 1973 to 1982, the Austin Allegro was a formidable competitor in the family car market. The decision to add RoStyle wheels improved its beauty, offering a more contemporary feel to its design. Despite criticism for its unconventional styling, the Allegro enjoyed moderate success and popularity on UK streets during the 1970s and early 1980s.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta was known for combining practicality and fun. RoStyle Wheels were often included as an alternative, allowing Fiesta owners to customize their rides with modern aesthetics. This decoration enhanced the car’s attractiveness and improved its overall dynamic presence on the road when paired with its efficiency.
Morris Marina
Another British Leyland product, the Morris Marina, occasionally rolled off the assembly line with RoStyle wheels. Beautifying the car with fancy wheels added sophistication to its exterior styling, complementing its reliability with a hint of sportiness. Buyers who desired a traditional British motoring heritage blend with upgraded elements enjoyed this upgrade, which enhanced the Marina’s competitive edge.
Triumph Dolomite
The Triumph Dolomite also offered RoStyle wheels as an optional feature. With its body lines and performance-oriented engineering, the Dolomite aimed to capture a segment of the market seeking some level of driving excitement. The result was the addition of RoStyle treads, which complemented the Triumph’s beauty, signaling its acceptance of contemporary automobile trends.
Rover SD1
Introduced in 1976 and featuring one of Davis Bache’s modern designs, the River SD1 represented a departure from traditional British Leyland styling. Its adoption of RoStyle wheels upgraded its appearance, with the symmetrical oval-shaped apertures providing a subtle yet peculiar touch of refinement. Combining the SD1’s interior amenities with RoStyle wheels helped reposition the car as a premium offering in the market.
Vauxhall Cavalier
The Vauxhall Cavalier, which displayed reliability and comfort, occasionally had RoStyle wheels fitted. Renowned for its spacious interior and sturdy engines, the Cavalier attracted buyers desiring a versatile vehicle suitable for daily commuting and family outings. Therefore, adding the RoStyle treads enhanced its attractiveness and aligned it with the fashion of the time.
Jaguar XJ
Specific models of the Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, particularly those aimed at enhancing its upscale appeal, were offered with RoStyle wheels. The wheels harmonized with the vehicle’s elegance and complemented the Jaguar’s sleek silhouette and luxurious interior. The merger created a cohesive visual statement that underscored the car’s prestige and upgraded its status as a symbol of engineering.
Vauxhall Chevette
Produced from 1975 to 1984, the Vauxhall Chevette regularly had RoStyle wheels to help amplify its sporty characteristics. Although its lightweight construction and agile handling endeared it to several drivers, adding fanciful wheels contributed to its overall image. This combination of cute size, agility, and stylish detailing made the Chevette a standout choice.
MG MGB
This vehicle was a British sports car that also embraced the fashionable wheels, providing owners with an option to enhance their ride’s visual appeal. In their characteristic manner, the treads infused modernity to the MGB’s timeless build. They also heightened the MGB’s status as a beloved classic when paired with the car’s maneuverability and reliability.
Lotus Elite
Together with its aerodynamic design, the Lotus Elite embraced the trend of RoStyle wheels, adding a modern touch to its appearance while increasing its capabilities. Beyond providing a striking contrast against the Elite’s bodywork, the wheels also added to the car’s precise cornering abilities, enhancing its status as a sports car.
