Appearing in Japanese magazines, with all English advertisements, the American Racing Shadow was more Japanese than its name let on. Production was done in Japan by Southern Ways Co. Ltd. using the same parts that made the Glids II, and Autostrada Mk2 mesh wheels. The Shadow came in the greatest range of sizes but was available with black centers only.
Advertisements emphasized some of the technical highlights of the wheel’s construction. Text reads as follows:
AIRCRAFT QUALITY ASSEMBLY BOLTS
Larger assembly bolts offer three times the clamping action found in other modular wheels. By spreading the increased coefficient of friction over a larger area the strength of the wheel is increased dramatically.
SINGLE SEAM, NON-WELDED ASSEMBLY
Greater rim integrity is created ensuring positive air chamber sealing while maintaining component replacement features.
PLUS 1, PLUS 2, AND PLUS 3 CONFIGURATIONS
Increasing rim diameters in conjunction with lower-profile tires maintain overall tire diameters and final drive ratios, but dramatically reduce tire slip angle effects, producing demonstrably quicker and more precise braking
and cornering capability.
THREE PIECE MODULAR DESIGN
Total flexibility of critical dimensions such as offsets, backspacing, rim widths, and diameters, allow each wheel to be precisely tailored to the specific application.
PRESSURE CASTED CENTER SECTIONS
Low shrinkage factors allow accurate wall thickness control for incredibly strong, yet lightweight, precision components.
COMPUTER CONTROLLED HOT-ROLLED OUTER SECTIONS
The application of computers to this type of metal forming to produce consistent wall thickness, highly concentric, aircraft quality rim sections.
TAPERED STEEL LUG SEATS
Special inserts allow steel to steel seating of tapered style lugs eliminating problems with washers and vibration causing tolerances found in typical wheel designs.
HUB FIT-CENTER LOCATING DESIGN
Center bore dimensions of American Racing modular wheels correspond precisely with those required by that of the automobile manufacturer. This feature provides precise locating of the wheel to the vehicle, eliminating possible vibration.