What is this old wheel brick?
There are some variants registered on bricklink, but judging by the name and the presence of the brick in the middle, I guess the closest is:
Wheel with 12 Studs and Axle Cam with Light Gray Tire Smooth - Large (715a / 36)

The small version you mention is probably:
Wheel with 4 Studs and Axle Cam with Light Gray Tire Smooth - Small (7039b / 132-old)