In 1965, the Motor Wheel Corporation introduced the Magnum 500 wheel, a significant milestone in automotive history. The Magnum 500, a product of Motor Wheel’s advertisement campaigns, the “World’s Largest Manufacturer of Custom Wheels” and later the “World’s Largest Manufacturer of Sports Wheels,” was a significant change in the automotive industry.

Above Left: The Motor Wheel Corporation introduced the Magnum 500 in 1965. Motor Wheel constructed a high-quality wheel that was stylistic and quickly adopted by auto manufacturers, including Chrysler. Above Right: Later, Motor Wheel advertisements referred to the wheel as Magnum 500 Sports Wheels. The ad touted the wheel’s performance. 

The Magnum 500 wheels, among the first styled wheels offered, stood out with their unique five-spoke configuration. The design quickly became iconic, capturing the imagination of muscle car owners of the era.

A lesser-known fact is that the Chrysler Corporation offered the Motor Wheel Magnum 500 as an option on its B- and C-bodies starting in 1967 and later the E- and F-bodies, further cementing its place in the annals of automotive history.

Above: The Motor Wheel Magnum 500 was listed as a Chrome-plated Steel Road Wheel in the 1967 dealership data book. The 14-inch wheel was an option on Mopar B- and C-bodies. The Road Wheel was identified by sales code 580. 

Tracing through Chrysler’s literature from 1967 and 1968, we find the Magnum 500 wheels were called the “Chrome Plated Steel Road Wheel” by Chrysler. In 1969, the wheels were named the “Chrome Stamped Road Wheel and Trim Ring” in the dealer literature.

Then, in 1970, its name was subtly altered, becoming the “Road Wheel with Trim Ring.” Finally, in 1971, the name evolved into the “Road Wheel with Chrome Trim Ring,” a name that endured throughout the 1970s, marking a captivating transformation journey.

Above Left: In 1968, the dealership data book listed the Chrome-plated Steel Road Wheel as sales code 580. Above Right: For 1969, the sales code was W21, and the 14-inch earned a name change to Chrome Stamped Road Wheel and Trim Ring. If you notice, the 15-inch wheel appears to be the “recall wheel.” 

Initially, the wheels were 14×5-1/2-inch for B-bodies and 14×6-inch for C-bodies. For 1967-68, the sales code for the wheels was 580. The sales code changed to W21 in 1969, and the wheels were 14×5-1/2-inch and available on B-bodies only.

Again, Chrysler changed the code, this time to W23, used from 1970 through the late ‘70s for 14×5-1/2-inch and 14×6-inch wheels on B-, E-, and F-bodies. Regardless of the sales code, the wheels were all 14-inch designs, and Chrysler never called any of them Magnum 500s.

Above Left: The Road Wheel had a new sales code for 1970, W23. Chrysler changed the wheel’s name once again. It was called the Road Wheel with Trim Ring. Above Right: The W23 sales code, as did the Road Wheel with Trim Ring name, stuck for several years. 

For additional information about the differences between the multiple Road Wheels, reference Mike Wilkins’ story, B-Body Road Wheels & Trim Rings Facts vs. Myths. The article describes the differences between the years and discusses the restoration of B-body Road Wheels and trim rings.

Referencing the Motor Wheel Corporation’s 1960s advertisements, its Magnum 500 wheel was “a real goer with distinctive styling and matchless quality.” The “Magnum 500 sports wheels are made for the man who wants more from his car. Their lean, clean, bright look says performance.”

Above Left: Classic Industries offers 14-inch wheels like the factory originals, but with widths exceeding anything offered during the muscle car era. Above Right: If larger wheels are wanted, Classic Industries has 15-inch wheels that can be found in multiple widths. 

Today, the enduring popularity of Magnum 500 wheels among classic car enthusiasts is a testament to their timeless appeal. These wheels are often used in restorations to maintain the authentic appearance of vintage Mopar muscle cars.

However, the aftermarket is now crowded with Magnum 500-wheel options in sizes and widths unavailable in the ‘60s and ‘70s. If originality is a significant concern, working with each manufacturer and reseller is critical to get the wheels that meet individual needs.

Above Left: Classic Industries offers 17-inch Road Wheels for a more modern look. Above Right: Center caps, lug nuts, and valve stems for Road Wheels can be obtained from Classic Industries. 

Classic Industries offers 14-, 15-, and 17-inch sizes, 6- to 10-inch widths, and multiple backspacing options. The center caps, lug nuts, and valve stems are sold separately. All the Road Wheels sold by Classic Industries are manufactured by Original Equipment Reproductions (OER), Wheel Vintiques, and Scott Drake.

If you are looking for a “stock, factory-appearing” Mopar, a nice set of Road Wheels could be the answer. Check out Classic Industries’ extensive catalog of wheels, which includes multiple Road Wheels choices.

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