I kind of agree with you drop, if not completely.

When these cars were new, I remember these and believe that they were sold as "Kleen Wheels" or something like that. They had little turbine-like vents stamped near the outer edge and marketed them as being compatible and maintaining adequate airflow over brakes.

Although brakes and wheels have evolved to create more airflow for cooling, the 123 diesel probably has more than enough cooling for its brakes in normal use, even with dust shields.

Personally I just don't care for the looks of these shields, but in bundts or the 15-hole flat-face wheels of the '80s, you can't see the shields, just the dust (and bundts look like a pain to clean). In a later more open wheel, I'd do without for sure though.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff