I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always been a fan of a certain hubcap: Moon discs, sometimes called racing discs or land-speed hubcaps. If I’m going to use hubcaps, I’m using these machined metal masterpieces.
Ever since I can remember, these smooth, metal hubcaps have exuded a cool aesthetic. Maybe it’s a hotrod thing, maybe it’s just a retro vibe. We’ve run these on our former 2005 Scion xB, our 2007 Toyota Yaris, and even our 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage, which we used to own. Say what you want about their effect on brake cooling, but none of these beasts were track toys, and were totally fine with them for road use.
Moon Caps / Land Speed Hubap History
The term Moon caps may have come from their shape, but more than likely, they came from the legendary hotrod accessory company, Mooneyes, which was founded in California in the 1950s by Dean Moon. But since then, these hubcaps have added swagger to lots of cars, old or new. Sometimes called speed discs or racing discs, they add personality to almost anything.
Of course, in the land-speed racing world, these caps would often screw onto the wheel versus snap on like those found on street cars. They aid in aerodynamics, something crucial when trying to set speed records. Any bit of drag you can reduce might help you gain a mile per hour or two. This includes on very boxy LSR cars like the Justy I photographed above.
FYI, you can find a history of Moon discs over at Torq Talk. Hint: the discs didn’t start on cars!
Modern Moon Disc Applications
Of course, Moon discs look great on vintage hot rods and land-speed cars (whether they’re actually setting records or not). Sometimes they can look just right on more modern motorcars.
Our 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage (aka “The Rage”) was no speed demon. With a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine making 78 HP of unbridled fury, it was never in danger of setting any land-speed records. However, when lowered just a bit and equipped with the factory side skirts, the Moon caps added a bit of style to the puny 14″ wheels and tires. I regret nothing.
It still might be 30+ years old, but this is still a modern LSR vehicle. And yes, this is a real 1991 Toyota pickup rocking Moon discs for real purposes. Driven by Scott Birdsall, he took this 1,300 HP 2JZ-GTE ‘Yota to 239.2 MPH in the Blown Modified Mini-Pickup (BUMP) class, with an exit speed of 252 MPH. I’m sure those hubcaps made all the difference.
Speaking of pickups, the Mooneyes Equipment Co. Ford Maverick looks awesome on Moon caps. It’s a perfect example of a modern vehicle that looks just right on these discs. Be still, my heart. I would drive this.
Apparently, there are plenty-o-pickups with Moon caps. I shot the above two-door supercharged 500 HP Tundra at the SEMA show in 2009. Loving the retro flame job, matte paint, and … Moon caps. Oh, it even had Cherry Bomb mufflers.
I found this photo of a new Toyota Prius on Moon caps on Reddit. Yeah, I’m pretty much in love. The latest Prius already looks svelte, but these Moon caps make it look freaking amazing in my opinion.
A Classic Style
The full Moon cap will always have a classic style to me. Simple, effective, and attractive. Heck, even effective! While I don’t have a vehicle that’d work with Moons right now, I wouldn’t hesitate to install a set on the right vehicle—whether that’s a classic hotrod or a modern motorcar, Moon discs look good on everything.
Andy Lilienthal is an award-winning writer and has written professionally since 1999. He has over 13 years in the automotive aftermarket working at companies including Warn Industries, Bushwacker, and Lund International. Editorial works include writing and photography for off-road print magazines, to new-car reviews online. He’s a photographer with images in multiple magazines, blog sites, and The New York Times.
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