Wheels That Harmonize with Great Cars
"We manufacture each of our wheels to the exact specifications our clients desire, such as a replacement of the original wheel or one for an exotic tailored fitment," AC says. The wheels are, expectedly, priced at the luxury level: They start at $1,250 per and can range to $3,000 per. All-important wheel locks are available from after-market sources.
Most of the wheels are available in five sizes, from 19 inch through 24 inch, in chrome, satin silver, black satin, diamond cut, raw machine, high polish or any custom color. The styles carry Italian names: Alneato, Vizzio, Fia, Grano, Estemo, Tello. "They all have a meaning to us," Norman says. "They usually relate to what the wheel looks like. I usually look at the wheel and write the first thing it reminds me of, then I translate it to Italian."
For example, he explains: "Otto" means eighth because the wheel has eight spokes; "Andata" means gone or cannot be seen because the spokes look as though they are not connected. In addition, "Concavo" means concave, as in the shape of the spokes of the wheel, and "Capalovoro," the newest Forgiato, means masterpiece. |
|
Keeping the Wheels Rolling
With jewelers dedication to expression, performance and reliability, Forgiato doesn't let just anyone distribute and install their custom wheels. "We like to have direct contact with our customers, to make sure we understand exactly what they want," Norman says. To achieve this, the company handpicks resellers. One of the brothers visits each of these businesses - throughout the world - to ensure that company can complete the final step of installing the wheels onto the vehicle. To date, there are 48 authorized Forgiato resellers - two in Arizona.
For Forgiato, the road is wide open for more designs and sizes. "We were the first to offer 5.5-inch lips on Mercedes and 6.5-inch lips on BMW- and were, of course, quickly followed," AC explains.
More and more automakers are installing larger and larger wheels as stock, he adds. A large wheel makes even a great car look better - and sets cars apart in a design environment in which so many look so alike. Says AC: "We are at the extreme high end of this ongoing desire for custom wheels."
Forgiato 888.838.8784 |
