Kyusha (aka 旧車) is a Japanese word literally meaning old car. Shoes, in the context of those cars, are wheels. However, if we define Kyusha Shoes simply as “wheels for old cars”, we are forced to acknowledge all sorts of modern wheels from manufacturers who have recently realized a growing interest in old Japanese cars and the rising market for wheels that fit them.
A recent abundance of modern reproductions or clones of wheels that were popular 30 or even 40 years ago is a sure sign that the popularity of Japanese car culture has come a long way in the past two decades.
Modern reproductions, (i.e. clones from other, sometimes non-reputable manufactures) are quite usually cheaper and better sized than their often bent and corroded “authentic” counterparts. This can be a huge plus for SOME enthusiasts looking for classically styled wheels for their projects.
Others, however, may find themselves wishing for wheels that are more unique – shoes that share some of the history and character of the car that wears them, or the owner that drives them. “Wheels for old cars” can be produced by anyone and anytime. “Kyusha Shoes” however, are treasures that define a project.
With tens of thousands wheels out there, we allow wheels the to join the rank of Kyusha Shoes based on the following characteristics:
- JWL/VIA Certification
- Original production dates prior to the year 2000.
- Non-OEM productions
Kyusha Shoes can be fit to anything from a Showa era sedan, to a brand new sports coupe. Done right, they become a feature that defines your project, marking the care and pride that you have as a builder and driver. Without them, your ride is little more than a victim of whatever just happened to available in the parts catalog at the time.