Concept: Vintage-inspired design. The highly anticipated new 3-piece model is here!

ALESS is Japan’s largest sedan specialty shop. With locations in Gifu, Aichi, and Saitama prefectures, each storefront displays rows of custom VIP cars. The group’s total inventory exceeds 300 vehicles. At ALESS, you’re sure to find the car you want.

ALESS will unveil its new 3-piece wheel at next year’s Tokyo Auto Salon. We were given a special preview of the completed CG renderings. This feels like it’s going to be a huge hit. The initial impetus for developing this wheel was…

“Surprisingly, there aren’t many current 5-spoke options available. That’s what sparked the idea to create our own. We love classic VIP style, so we focused on simplicity in the design. They look great on classic cars and fit perfectly on modern vehicles. We aimed for a pure, unadulterated five-spoke design,” says Mr. Tanaka of ALESS.

Actually, ALESS has produced original wheels before. However, those were limited-edition original color models exclusive to ALESS, developed in collaboration with popular manufacturers. This new model, though, is designed entirely from scratch by ALESS. In other words, it’s a true original. Its nature differs from previous models.

Let’s examine this meticulous design in detail. The current trend in the wheel industry favors sharp, angular designs with pronounced edges. ALESS’s 3-piece wheel takes the opposite approach, featuring a rounded profile.

“We’re doing the exact opposite of what’s popular now. The main target for this wheel is sedans with the classic VIP specs from the early Heisei era. We focused on achieving a shape reminiscent of that era, one that complements those cars.”

The use of pierced bolts around the entire circumference was, of course, to capture the look of the original specification.

“Modern wheels typically extend the spokes to the rim ends to make them appear larger. This wheel does not do that; instead, it uses pierced bolts around the entire circumference to create a luxurious feel.”

The surprising part is the disc shape. Instead of the now-common concave design, it adopts a round shape. The rim end is recessed more than the center section.

“This wheel is truly made with respect for old-school wheels. Back then, round shapes were standard, and manufacturers competed on rim depth. That’s the design we wanted. Since we’re making it, it can’t be like everyone else’s. It wouldn’t make sense unless we challenged ourselves to do something wheel manufacturers can’t.”

Of course, we want them on current cars too, but if we could be greedy, we’d love to see them on original-spec 20 Celsior, 30 Celsior, 33 Cima, or 50 Cima models. Especially since original specs are hugely popular among young owners lately. We’d be thrilled if they became a trend among those young owners.

Sizes are 19-inch and 20-inch. The rim features a sparkling aluminum finish. The 19-inch has a reverse rim, while the 20-inch has a step rim. The J-number hasn’t been finalized yet, but it’s planned to be between 8.5J and 12.5J. Silver is the standard color, with an option to change the color.

“We want young owners who respect the original specs to use them. They will undoubtedly suit vintage VIP sedans. Interested parties should definitely contact ALESS.”

The first public unveiling of the actual product will be at next year’s Tokyo Auto Salon. ALESS has created a premium 3-piece wheel in vintage VIP style. Who will be the first to have them fitted on their car? We can hardly wait to find out.

◉Specifications (planned)
・Construction: 3-piece
・Inch: 19-inch, 20-inch
・J-number: 8.5J to 12.5J

◉Contact
ALESS Gifu Main Store
tel.0581-22-2114
https://www.aless-group.com

Text｜VIP Style Editorial Department
Photo｜ALESS