The world of automotive obsession is a wild, wonderful place, perpetually spinning on the latest trends and tech. One minute, everyone’s chasing hyper-specific JDM split-rims, the next, it’s all about monstrously wide steels. It’s a relentless cycle of what’s hot and what’s… decidedly not.
But here’s the thing about trends: they’re fickle beasts. For every wheel design that achieves timeless, legendary status – a Volk TE37, an Enkei RPF1, or a BBS LM – there are dozens, if not hundreds, that had their fleeting moment in the sun before being unceremoniously dumped into the automotive equivalent of the fashion graveyard. These are the styles that once dominated catalogs and graced countless builds, only to now make you do a double-take and ask, “Seriously, what were we thinking?”
We’re about to embark on a no-holds-barred journey through the annals of automotive style, digging up some of these once-trendy, often-polarizing, and now largely unbought wheel designs. Grab your virtual wrench and prepare for a dose of gearhead nostalgia mixed with a healthy dose of “yikes,” as we explore why these particular rims have become, for most enthusiasts, a distant, perhaps even embarrassing, memory.
1. **Whitewall Tires**Let’s kick things off with a true blast from the past, harking back to an era when cars were land yachts and luxury reigned supreme: whitewall tires. In the 1950s, these weren’t just tires; they were a statement, a bold declaration of elegance and status that perfectly complemented the curvaceous bodies of Cadillacs, Buicks, and Lincolns. Imagine a pristine classic, rolling on rubber that boasted a thick, stark white band around its outer edge, creating a visual pop that was undeniable.
“Whitewalls added a touch of elegance to luxury vehicles and even mid-range family sedans.” This isn’t just a nostalgic sentiment; it was the reality. They were a signifier of the times, a hallmark of mid-century automotive grandeur. Paired with polished chrome and gleaming paintwork, whitewalls completed a look that was, in its day, the epitome of automotive sophistication.
However, as we fast forward through the decades, their widespread appeal has, well, whitewashed away. “While whitewall tires have largely faded from mainstream use, they remain a nostalgic choice for vintage car collectors and restoration projects.” And there’s the rub, isn’t it? For the vast majority of today’s enthusiasts, the idea of bolting on a set of whitewalls feels about as relevant as a rotary phone. They’re a specialized item for a specialized crowd, not a general go-to for someone building a modern performance machine or even a period-correct ’70s muscle car.
Their bias-ply construction, standard for the era, also played a part in their obsolescence. “They offered a soft ride but weren’t as durable or safe as today’s radial tires.” This practical disadvantage, combined with evolving aesthetic preferences, sealed their fate as a mainstream choice. So, while they hold a special place in history, you won’t find many modern enthusiasts lining up for new whitewalls unless they’re meticulously restoring a ’59 Eldorado. And honestly, can you blame them?
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2. **Chrome Finish Wheels**Oh, chrome. Remember the era when blinding reflectivity was considered the absolute pinnacle of wheel style? The 1990s, especially, saw “Chrome wheels, in particular, gained significant popularity, becoming a status symbol in both luxury and performance segments.” If your ride didn’t have a set of highly polished, mirror-finish chrome hoops, were you even really trying? It was the ultimate bling, the visual equivalent of shouting, “Look at me! I’ve arrived!” (and probably also, “Look at how much cleaning I have to do!”).
From lowriders shimmering down the boulevard to street racers trying to out-flex each other, chrome was everywhere. It was loud, it was proud, and it perfectly encapsulated the aesthetic zeitgeist of a decade obsessed with excess and flash. You’d see it on everything from luxury SUVs to customized sports compacts, reflecting the sun with an intensity that could practically trigger an eclipse warning. It was, undeniably, a dominant force in the custom wheel culture that was really hitting its stride.
But as with all things that shine a little too brightly, the chrome craze eventually began to dim. The early 2000s ushered in a shift, and suddenly, what was once considered peak luxury started to look… a bit much. The context explicitly states: “As chrome declined in popularity, matte and gunmetal finishes became the go-to choice for a subtler, more sophisticated look.” And that, dear reader, is the polite way of saying chrome fell off a cliff.
Today, while you might still find chrome on certain traditional luxury applications or custom show vehicles, it’s largely been superseded by more understated, performance-oriented finishes. Modern enthusiasts generally favor the aggressive, sophisticated appeal of matte black, gunmetal, or even intricate polished alloys, leaving the high-maintenance, ultra-shiny chrome as a relic of a bygone era. It’s a testament to how quickly tastes can evolve in the automotive world; yesterday’s must-have is today’s “hard pass.”
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3. **TSW Venom**Now, this is where things get truly interesting, because the TSW Venom isn’t just a wheel that faded; it’s a wheel that actively courts controversy and, according to the source material itself, is still pretty much despised by the masses. “When TSW launched the Venom back in the late 90s they were such a radical design that they sold like hot cakes.” Let that sink in for a moment. They sold like hot cakes! People *wanted* these.
What made the Venom so radical? It was a five-spoke design, but with a unique, almost twisted or asymmetrical flair that set it apart from the more conventional options of the time. It screamed late ’90s tuner culture, a look that was simultaneously aggressive and, at least for a brief window, cutting-edge. It was the kind of wheel that graced the covers of import magazines and filled the parking lots of every local car meet.
But oh, how the mighty have fallen. The context delivers the brutal truth with a chuckle: “You might laugh, but we reckon these are due another comeback. If you can find a set (eBay is your friend) you’ll get these for next to nothing as almost everyone still seems to hate them.” Let’s be real, when a wheel is explicitly called out for being widely hated, that’s a pretty definitive sign that enthusiasts aren’t exactly clamoring for them.
While the article bravely posits a comeback, the current reality is that the TSW Venom represents a specific, very short-lived design trend that aged about as gracefully as dial-up internet. Its once-radical lines now often read as dated or even awkward to contemporary eyes. So, for the vast majority of enthusiasts, the Venom remains firmly in the “don’t touch with a ten-foot pole” category, making it a prime example of a once-trendy wheel that found its way to the bottom of the desirability pile.
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4. **Antera 109 (Three-Spoke Designs)**Speaking of controversial ’90s trends, let’s talk about three-spoke wheels, epitomized by designs like the Antera 109. “Popular on pretty much anything back in the 90s,” these wheels were everywhere. They were the visual shorthand for modern, forward-thinking style, a departure from the multi-spoke or traditional five-spoke designs that had dominated for so long. The appeal was in their bold simplicity and the aggressive, almost futuristic vibe they lent to a vehicle.
Think about it: just three thick, muscular spokes carving out a distinctive pattern. It was a minimalist approach that aimed to make a big impact. From European sedans to JDM sports cars, the three-spoke design had its moment, promising a fresh aesthetic that broke from convention. The Antera 109, in particular, was one of the “most sort after” of these designs, showcasing that for a period, these peculiar patterns truly captured the imagination of buyers.
However, like many radical departures, the three-spoke trend proved to be incredibly polarizing, and its popularity was fleeting. The context notes: “these super-rare rims rank up there with the Saab 9000 Turbo three spokes for rated or hated appeal.” That’s a classic “Marmite” situation, meaning you either loved them or despised them, with very little middle ground. And in the fickle world of automotive aesthetics, designs that divide opinion so sharply rarely achieve enduring widespread appeal.
Today, the sight of three-spoke wheels on anything other than a meticulously preserved period piece often elicits a strong reaction, and rarely a positive one from a broad enthusiast audience. While unique, their aggressive simplicity has largely fallen out of favor, replaced by more intricate multi-spoke or classic five-spoke patterns. For most modern builds, the three-spoke design is considered a quirky footnote in wheel history, a bold experiment that simply didn’t stand the test of time for the majority of enthusiasts.
5. **Exip Mega**Here we have another contender for the “what were they thinking?” category, a wheel that leans heavily into the realm of the truly bizarre: the Exip Mega. This isn’t just a polarizing design; it’s a design that actively defies conventional categorization, making it a perfect candidate for a once-trendy (or at least, once-available) wheel that modern enthusiasts largely steer clear of. The context describes it perfectly as a “Super weird Marmite wheel that never fails to divide opinion.”
What makes it so odd? “Exip’s Mega is technically a two-spoke wheel, however, because of the way it’s painted, gives the impression of just having a single spoke.” Imagine that: a wheel designed to look like it has *one* spoke. This kind of visual trickery was certainly eye-catching, a bold attempt to stand out in a crowded market. For a certain segment of the water-cooled VW crowd, particularly back in the day, its sheer weirdness might have been its appeal, a way to be truly different.
However, a design that deliberately plays with visual perception in such an unconventional way is always going to have a limited audience. While uniqueness can be a selling point, pure strangeness often isn’t. The automotive enthusiast community, while diverse, generally gravitates towards designs that offer either aesthetic beauty, functional performance, or a blend of both, in a more universally palatable package. The Exip Mega, with its optical illusion of a single spoke, veers sharply away from these norms.
Today, finding a set of these “Marmite” wheels is rare, and for good reason. They exist as a peculiar footnote in wheel design history, a testament to a time when manufacturers were willing to take significant aesthetic risks. But for the vast majority of enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle’s appeal, the Exip Mega remains a curio, a conversation starter perhaps, but certainly not a desirable upgrade. Its distinct oddity has relegated it to the fringes of the aftermarket, firmly out of the mainstream buying habits.
6. **Mazda 121 Koala Wheels**Alright, prepare yourselves, because this one might just win the award for the most unexpectedly adorable (and consequently, least enthusiast-sought) wheel on our list: the Mazda 121 Koala wheels. Yes, you read that correctly. Koala. The context sets the scene with a wry observation: “You will all be aware of Ronal’s famous Teddy Bear wheel, and even Michelin got creative with a Michelin Man wheel, but the ladies in your life (can you still say that?) will love a set of Mazda 121 Koala (special edition) wheels.”
These weren’t some obscure aftermarket creation; “These came as standard equipment on some Mazda 121s. Seriously!” This fact alone is enough to make any serious gearhead do a double-take. Imagine the meeting where someone pitched, and successfully approved, a wheel design featuring a cute, cuddly marsupial. It’s an undeniable piece of automotive whimsy, a factory-fitted detail that leans more towards novelty than performance or high-end aesthetics.
While undoubtedly charming in their own unique way, and a guaranteed conversation starter, the Koala wheels fall squarely outside the realm of what most automotive enthusiasts are looking for. The pursuit of performance, aggressive styling, or even classic retro cool rarely involves anthropomorphic animal designs. For the vast majority of the modifying community, a wheel is meant to enhance a car’s dynamic presence, not make it look like it belongs in a petting zoo.
The context even notes, “We’ve even seen a set converted into split-rims. As if they weren’t unique enough as it was…” This highlights the extreme niche appeal these wheels hold, usually for those looking for the ultimate in quirky customization rather than a widely admired style. So, while they might bring a smile to your face, and serve as an ultimate novelty piece for a very specific crowd, the Mazda 121 Koala wheels are a prime example of a once-produced (and perhaps once-tolerated) design that mainstream enthusiasts simply don’t, and probably never will, buy for their builds. It’s a hilarious oddity, but an oddity nonetheless.
Alright, gearheads, strap in, because we’re diving headfirst into another six examples of wheel styles that, for one reason or another, have been shuffled to the back of the automotive closet. These aren’t necessarily bad wheels, but they represent design choices or practical hurdles that have kept them from the mainstream enthusiast’s shopping list today. We’re talking about those peculiar, polarizing, or simply impractical rims that make you wonder, ‘What were they thinking? Or, perhaps more accurately, ‘Who *can* even run those anymore?’
Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Name: Kuala Lumpur
SettlementType: List of capitals in Malaysia
TranslitLang1Type2: Malaysian Mandarin
OfficialName: nobold
Border: infobox
TotalWidth: 300
CaptionAlign: center
Perrow: 1/2/2/2
Caption1: Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Caption2: Bukit Bintang
Width2: 120
Height2: 70
Caption3: Petaling Street
Width3: 170
Height3: 100
Caption4: Independence Square (Kuala Lumpur)
Caption5: National Mosque of Malaysia
Caption6: Istana Negara, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim
Caption7: National Monument (Malaysia)
ShieldSize: 70px
SealSize: 70px
Motto: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
Anthem: Maju dan Sejahtera,center
PushpinMap: Malaysia#Asia
PushpinRelief: true
Coordinates: 03|08|52|N|101|41|43|E|region:MY-14|display=it
SubdivisionType: Country
SubdivisionName: Malaysia
SubdivisionType2: Administrative areas
SubdivisionName2: Collapsible list
EstablishedTitle: Establishment
EstablishedDate: Wed Dec 31 1856 16:07:02 GMT-0752 (Pacific Standard Time)
EstablishedTitle2: City status
EstablishedDate2: Tue Feb 01 1972 00:00:00 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time)
EstablishedTitle3: 1974 Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Agreement
EstablishedDate3: Fri Feb 01 1974 00:00:00 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)
GovernmentType: Federal territory
GoverningBody: Kuala Lumpur City Hall
LeaderTitle: Mayor of Kuala Lumpur
LeaderName: Maimunah Mohd Sharif
Child: true
Label1: Federal representation
Data1: Parliament of Malaysia
Rowclass1: mergedtoprow
Label2: Dewan Rakyat
Data2: 11 of 222 (5.0%)
Rowclass2: mergedrow
Label3: Dewan Negara
Data3: 2 of 70 (2.9%)
Rowclass3: mergedrow
AreaTotalKm2: 243
AreaUrbanKm2: 1,940
AreaMetroKm2: 2,243.27
ElevationM: 63
ElevationMaxM: 302
ElevationMaxPoint: Bukit Dinding
PopulationTotal: 2075600
PopulationAsOf: Q1 2024
PopulationRank: List of urban areas in Malaysia by population
PopulationDensityKm2: auto
PopulationUrban: 8430775
PopulationMetro: 8815630
PopulationMetroFootnotes: cite web
PopulationDensityMetroKm2: 2708
PopulationBlank1Title: List of adjectivals and demonyms for cities
PopulationBlank1: KLites
PostalCodeType: List of postal codes in Malaysia
PostalCode: 50000 to 60000
Timezone: Malaysian Standard Time
UtcOffset: +8
BlankName: Mean solar time
BlankInfo: UTC+06:46:46
Blank1Name: Telephone numbers in Malaysia
Blank1Info: 03
Blank2Name: Vehicle registration plates of Malaysia
Blank2Info: V and W (except taxis) ,HW (for taxis only)
Blank3Name: ISO 3166-2
Blank3Info: MY-14
DemographicsType1: Gross domestic product,nobold
Demographics1Title1: List of capitals in Malaysia
Demographics1Info1: Malaysian ringgit
Demographics1Title2: Metro
Demographics1Info2: Malaysian ringgit
DemographicsType2: City Index
Demographics2Title1: Human Development Index,nobold
Demographics2Info1: List of Malaysian states by Human Development Index
Blank5Name: Official language
Blank5Info: Malay language,English language
Website: https://www.dbkl.gov.my/|www.dbkl.gov.my
Categories: 1857 establishments in Asia, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All Wikipedia articles written in British English, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: Kuala Lumpur (KL), officially the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, is the capital city and a federal territory of Malaysia. It is the most populous city in the country, covering an area of 243 km2 (94 sq mi) with a census population of 2,075,600 as of 2024. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 8.8 million people as of 2024. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in Southeast Asia, both in population and economic development.
The city serves as the cultural, financial, tourism, political and economic centre of Malaysia. It is also home to the Malaysian parliament (consisting of the Dewan Rakyat and the Dewan Negara) and the Istana Negara, the official residence of the monarch (Yang di-Pertuan Agong). Kuala Lumpur was first developed around 1857 as a town serving the tin mines of the region, and important figures such as Yap Ah Loy and Frank Swettenham were instrumental in the early development of the city during the late 19th century. It served as the capital of Selangor from 1880 until 1978. Kuala Lumpur was the founding capital of the Federation of Malaya and its successor, Malaysia. The city remained the seat of the executive and judicial branches of the Malaysian federal government until these were relocated to Putrajaya in early 1999. However, some sections of the political bodies still remain in Kuala Lumpur. The city is one of the three Federal Territories of Malaysia, enclaved within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Since the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events, including the 1998 Commonwealth Games, 2001 Southeast Asian Games, 2017 Southeast Asian Games, Formula One, Moto GP and 1997 FIFA World Youth Championships. Kuala Lumpur has undergone rapid development in recent decades and is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Towers, which have since become an iconic symbol of Malaysian development. Kuala Lumpur is well connected with neighbouring urban metro regions such as Petaling Jaya via the rapidly expanding Klang Valley Integrated Transit System. Residents of the city can also travel to other parts of Peninsular Malaysia as well as to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) via rail through Kuala Lumpur Sentral station.
Kuala Lumpur was ranked the 6th most-visited city in the world on the Mastercard Destination Cities Index in 2019. The city houses three of the world’s ten largest shopping malls. Kuala Lumpur ranks 70th in the world and the second in Southeast Asia after Singapore for the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Ranking and ninth in ASPAC and second in Southeast Asia after Singapore for KPMG’s Leading Technology Innovation Hub 2021. Kuala Lumpur was named World Book Capital 2020 by UNESCO. In 2025, Kuala Lumpur was ranked second for the best outstanding city in Southeast Asia, after Singapore, and 79th in the world by the Oxford Economic Papers’ Global Cities Index.
Get more information about: Kuala Lumpur
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Brand: Mazda Model: 121 Koala
Price: $30,991 Mileage: 72,932 mi.
7. **Votex (Porsche Design) Four Spoke Retro Wheels**Now, here’s a collaboration that sounds like a fever dream hatched in a Stuttgart design studio after a long night of schnitzel and existentialism: the Votex (Porsche Design) Four Spoke wheel. The context explicitly dubs it a “bizarre Porsche design collaboration that resulted in a world-famous four-spoke wheel of questionable origins.” You read that right – *questionable origins*. That alone should tell you this isn’t your everyday, run-of-the-mill, universally adored masterpiece.
Originally favored by the aftermarket water-cooled VW scene, this wheel certainly had its moment, particularly among those looking to inject a bit of ’80s or ’90s avant-garde into their Golf or Jetta. Produced by Speedline, these wheels came in 15- and 16-inch versions, and apparently, someone thought a matching three-spoke steering wheel with similarly peculiar spokes was a good idea. Commitment to the bit, if nothing else!
But the “bizarre” and “questionable origins” tags aren’t exactly ringing endorsements for enduring popularity. While unique, the Votex design ultimately became a peculiar footnote rather than a timeless classic. Its specific aesthetic, combined with the difficulty of actually finding a set today – the context mentions “if you can find a set” – makes it a rare sight, and not necessarily in a ‘holy grail’ kind of way for the broader community.
For most enthusiasts today, the Votex remains firmly in the realm of quirky collector’s items. It’s the kind of wheel you might appreciate in a museum of automotive oddities, but you’re not exactly hitting up eBay every weekend hoping to snag a set for your latest build. Its moment passed, and the mainstream moved on to less… questionable designs, leaving these four-spoke wonders to a very niche appreciation.
8. **Nothelle N-Classic**Speaking of ‘Marmite’ wheels, if the Exip Mega didn’t quite hit that peculiar sweet spot for you, then the Nothelle N-Classic might just be your new obsession – or nemesis. The context calls it “Seriously cool and controversial,” a “real Marmite wheel that’s become increasing rare and hard to find these days.” And when something is both controversial *and* hard to find, you know it’s cultivated a highly specialized, almost cult-like following.
Originally quite popular with the “trendy VW peeps,” these wheels were a statement piece for the European scene. Available in a number of Germanic fitments, both 4- and 5-stud PCDs, the Nothelle N-Classic represented a specific aesthetic that resonated with a certain crowd. It was cool, it was different, and it screamed ‘I know what’s up, even if you don’t.’
However, the very thing that made it cool and controversial for some also limited its widespread appeal. Like any true Marmite wheel, its design polarized opinions, meaning it was never going to be a universal crowd-pleaser. And while rarity can sometimes drive up demand, for a wheel like the N-Classic, its “increasingly rare and hard to find” status often translates to it being something enthusiasts *can’t* easily buy, rather than something they’re all desperately hunting for.
Sure, the context mentions seeing them “made into three-piece custom splits for mega scene points!” and that reinforces their place amongst the ‘coolest retro rims around today’ for a very specific segment of modders. But for the vast majority of us trying to find something stylish and accessible, the Nothelle N-Classic has receded into the realm of enthusiast folklore – admired by a few, understood by even fewer, and practically unbought by the rest.
9. **Renault Alpine GTA Turbine Retro Wheels**Ah, the Renault Alpine GTA Turbine wheels. The context excitedly notes, “Turbo-style. Turbo fans. Turbine. All these futurist style are the rage these days,” and even declares the GTA V6 turbine wheel a “favorite of ours.” On the surface, these sound like a hot ticket, embodying that aggressive, forward-thinking aesthetic of the ’80s and ’90s when forced induction was king and aerodynamics were becoming a serious design consideration.
The visual appeal of these wheels, especially in a staggered fitment, is undeniable. They look fast even when standing still, perfectly complementing the wedge-shaped, often outrageous designs of the era’s performance cars. For a certain breed of enthusiast, particularly those who appreciate French automotive eccentricities and the golden age of turbo power, these wheels could easily be a showstopper.
But here’s where the dream of turbine glory hits a wall – a very specific, very frustrating wall. The context delivers a crucial warning: “Be careful with some of the earlier metric wheels, though, as you’ll struggle to find tires for them.” And there, ladies and gentlemen, is the ultimate buzzkill for any wheel. What good is the coolest, most futuristic, most era-defining wheel if you literally can’t put rubber on it?
This metric tire issue isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a fundamental barrier to entry. Imagine sourcing a perfect set of these rare beauties, only to discover that the specific, almost unobtainable metric-sized tires they require are either impossible to find, prohibitively expensive, or simply no longer manufactured. It transforms an iconic wheel from a desirable upgrade into a very expensive, very decorative paperweight. For all their retro-futuristic charm, the practical reality of tire availability means these otherwise awesome wheels are, sadly, just not a viable option for most enthusiasts anymore.
Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Categories: 1990s cars, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2022, Automobiles with backbone chassis
Summary: The Renault Alpine GTA and the succeeding A610 is a sports coupé automobile produced by the Renault-owned French manufacturer Alpine between late 1984 and 1995. The GTA name was an internal code name (although it was used as a model name in the British market); in Europe it was sold as the Alpine V6 GT or V6 Turbo. It replaced the slow-selling Alpine A310, with which it shared many features, including the layout and engine. The GTA was replaced by the A610 in 1991.
Get more information about: Renault Alpine GTA/A610
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Brand: Renault Model: Alpine GTA
Price: $30,991 Mileage: 72,932 mi.
10. **Mad iN 3C**Next up in our gallery of once-trendy, now-overlooked rolling stock is the Mad iN 3C. This one immediately screams “race car!” thanks to its origins, being “Generally found amongst the Formula Renault race fraternities originally.” So, if you were a budding race car driver (or just loved the aesthetic), you probably thought you recognized these bad boys. It’s got that unmistakable “retro-look 8 spoke” design that promised both “Racecar aesthetics and show car looks for the absolute win!”
Coming from a French firm, the Mad iN 3C exudes a certain no-nonsense, functional-yet-stylish vibe, typical of motorsport-derived components. For a niche audience, these wheels offered a legitimate connection to racing heritage, an authentic piece of performance kit that looked equally at home on a track day monster or a meticulously crafted show car aiming for those “mega scene points.”
However, the Mad iN 3C comes with a significant caveat that severely limits its broader appeal and, consequently, its presence on today’s enthusiast builds: it’s only “Available in: 13in diameter” and “four-stud only.” In an age where even compact cars often roll on 16-inch or larger wheels, and bolt patterns are diverse, a strictly 13-inch, four-stud offering immediately shrinks its potential market to a fraction of the enthusiast population.
Unless you’re building a hyper-specific, period-correct small-form factor race car replica or an OG Mini tribute, finding a modern car (or even a popular retro car) that can genuinely utilize these wheels without looking comically undersized or requiring extreme modifications is a challenge. While it offers “Racecar aesthetics,” its narrow fitment window makes it an unfeasible option for most, relegating it to the very specific builds that can actually make sense of its dimensions. It’s a cool wheel, no doubt, but one that simply doesn’t fit the needs (or wheel wells) of many modern enthusiasts.
Car Model Information: 2019 Lexus GX 460 Premium
Name: P-3 Orion
AircraftType: Maritime patrol aircraft
NationalOrigin: United States
Manufacturer: Lockheed Corporation,Lockheed Martin,Kawasaki Aerospace Company
FirstFlight: November 1959
Introduction: August 1962
Produced: 1961–1990
Status: Active
PrimaryUser: United States Navy
MoreUsers: Republic of China Navy,Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force,Republic of Korea Navy
NumberBuilt: Lockheed – 650, , Kawasaki – 107, , Total – 757
DevelopedFrom: Lockheed L-188 Electra
Variants: Lockheed AP-3C Orion,Lockheed CP-140 Aurora,Lockheed EP-3,Lockheed WP-3D Orion
DevelopedInto: Lockheed P-7
Categories: 1950s United States patrol aircraft, Aircraft first flown in 1959, Aircraft specs templates using more performance parameter, Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating
Summary: The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engined, turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. It is based on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner by Lockheed; it is easily distinguished from the Electra by its distinctive tail stinger or “MAD” boom, used for the magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) of submarines.
Over the years, the P-3 has seen numerous design developments, most notably in its electronics packages. Numerous navies and air forces around the world continue to use the type primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. A total of 757 P-3s have been built. In 2012, it joined the handful of military aircraft including the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, and Lockheed C-130 Hercules that the United States military has been using for more than 50 years. In the twenty-first century, the turbofan-powered Boeing P-8 Poseidon began to supplement, and will eventually replace, the U.S. Navy’s P-3s.
Get more information about: Lockheed P-3 Orion
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Brand: Mad iN Model: 3C
Price: $30,991 Mileage: 72,932 mi.
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11. **BBS Magnesium ‘E’ Code Retro Wheels**When you hear “BBS,” your mind probably conjures images of iconic, high-performance, and undeniably cool wheels. And the BBS Magnesium ‘E’ Code retro wheels are no exception. These are “Magnesium motorsport derived split rims from the BBS range,” which sounds like pure, unadulterated automotive poetry. They come in “all shapes and sizes” – E30, E48, E50, E55 – each number a whispered code among the initiated, signifying true race-bred pedigree. “Go center-lock for proper baller status,” the context advises, solidifying their elite standing.
These aren’t just wheels; they’re pieces of racing history, engineering marvels built for performance and lightweight supremacy. The fact that they’re magnesium, a material often reserved for the highest echelons of motorsport, immediately tells you these are special. For those who know, these are some of the most desirable retro wheels out there, combining heritage with uncompromising function.
But here’s the brutally honest truth that slams the brakes on widespread enthusiast ownership: these magnificent rims are “fetching ridiculous sums of your hard earned these days.” The context doesn’t pull any punches, stating, “if you know the number you’re after, be prepared to go and see your bank manager to bolt them to your ride.” We’re not talking about a few hundred bucks for a clean set; we’re talking about figures that make your wallet spontaneously combust.
So, while these BBS Magnesium ‘E’ Code wheels are revered and undeniably cool, they’ve been priced out of the reach of all but the most affluent collectors and race teams. For the average gearhead, the dream of bolting on a set remains just that – a dream. Their prohibitive cost effectively removes them from the ‘actively bought’ category for the vast majority of enthusiasts, making them an aspirational, rather than attainable, piece of automotive legend. They are admired, yes, but rarely purchased by the masses.
12. **Porsche Teledial / Fuch / Design 90 Retro Wheels**Let’s wind down our list with a trio of classic 80s and 90s Porsche wheels: the Teledial, Fuch, and Design 90. These iconic rims graced the wheel arches of legendary models like the 911, 944, and 928, carrying a legacy of German engineering and sports car prowess. The context praises them as “Light, strong and still readily available on the eBay for not much cash,” even suggesting they “make great winter wheels or polish them up and hit the show ground.” Sounds like a win-win, right?
Indeed, their classic appeal and robust construction make them attractive. The Fuch, in particular, with its deep-dished, five-leaf design, is instantly recognizable and has achieved legendary status. These wheels offered a distinct European aesthetic that has influenced countless designs since. They certainly have the ‘cool’ factor, and their relative affordability on the secondary market is a clear advantage.
However, there’s a significant asterisk next to that accessibility. The context clarifies a crucial detail: “they all had a high, positive offset (in a 5×130 PCD), so there’s a good chance they’ll work with your car given the right adapters.” And there it is – the adapter. While not insurmountable, the need for PCD adapters introduces an extra layer of complexity, cost, and potential headaches for many enthusiasts.
Adapters add unsprung weight, push the wheels further out (which might require fender rolling or wider arches), and, depending on quality, can introduce new points of failure or vibration. For someone looking for a straightforward, bolt-on upgrade, the adapter requirement can be a significant deterrent, moving these wheels from ‘easy buy’ to ‘minor project.’ Add to that the warning to “just look out for replicas, some are good but many are bad,” and suddenly, that “not much cash” deal starts looking a little less appealing for the casual buyer. While fantastic for dedicated builds or winter duty, the adapter dance means they’re not quite the general enthusiast’s go-to for a simple aesthetic swap.
So, there you have it: a deep dive into the wheel styles that once burned brightly, only to flicker and fade, or simply remain too niche, too impractical, or too damn expensive for the average enthusiast to bother with today. From the utterly bizarre to the prohibitively costly, these rims tell a story of evolving tastes, technological hurdles, and the sometimes-harsh realities of automotive modification. It’s a testament to how quickly trends shift, how practicality can trump aesthetics, and how sometimes, a wheel’s greatest legacy is the conversation (and head-scratching) it continues to spark. The automotive world is a ruthless mistress when it comes to style, and these wheels are just a few more casualties in the relentless pursuit of what’s next. But hey, at least they give us something to talk about, right?
