A wheel so rare it exists more in legend than in real life, the SSR SS-08 is one of the most elusive icons from Japan’s golden era of tuning. Manufactured by Super Star Co. between 1983 and 1986, the SS-08 was a radical departure from its predecessor, the more commonly seen SS-07. While the SS-07 catered to 4-lug applications, the SS-08 came exclusively in a 5-lug 114.3mm pattern; an intentional move to target rear-wheel-drive platforms of the time like the Nissan Z, Toyota Soarer, and Mazda RX-7.
Constructed as a true three-piece forged wheel, the SS-08 was ahead of its time in both engineering and aesthetics. The design features a unique five-hole, multi-layered overlapping spoke layout. Bold and angular, yet refined in detail. Unlike traditional mesh or star patterns common in the ‘80s, the SS-08’s silhouette was unmistakable. The recessed spokes were available in a selection of finishes: black, silver, or gold, each paired with a stepped lip and polished bolts that gave the wheel a sense of layered depth and craftsmanship.
The SS-08 embodied the rise of modular wheel innovation in Japan. It was lightweight, strong, and customizable; qualities that would become hallmarks of Japanese wheel engineering for decades to come. But despite its forward-thinking design, the wheel was produced in extremely limited numbers. Its short production run, niche sizing, and unique look meant it remained a rare sight even during its heyday.
Today, the SSR SS-08 has taken on near-mythical status among collectors and vintage JDM builders. Complete sets are virtually impossible to find, and authentic pairs are often kept as wall art or display pieces rather than mounted on cars. Its scarcity has only deepened its legend, with confirmed examples often surfacing in old catalogs, grainy period advertisements, or under glass at specialty shows in Japan.
While it never reached the mainstream popularity of wheels like the SSR MK series or BBS mesh counterparts, the SS-08 holds a special place in wheel history. A daring experiment in form, function, and exclusivity. It’s a relic of the era when Japan’s tuning culture was still underground, still raw, and still defining itself. One forged lip at a time.