Wooden steering wheels are closely associated with classic sports cars, GT cars and performance cars of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
They are particularly common in classic Jaguar, MG, Triumph, Austin-Healey, Alfa Romeo, Porsche and Ferrari models, although whether a wooden steering wheel was fitted from the factory, offered as an option or installed later as a period upgrade varies considerably between individual cars.
Today, fitting a wooden steering wheel remains one of the most popular ways to complete the interior of a classic car.
So, what cars have wooden steering wheels? Here are some of the classics most commonly associated with them.
Jaguar
Classic Jaguars are among the cars most strongly associated with traditional wood-rim steering wheels.
Models where a wooden steering wheel can look particularly at home include:
- Jaguar E-Type
- Jaguar XK120
- Jaguar XK140
- Jaguar XK150
- Jaguar Mk2
- Jaguar S-Type
The combination of a polished metal steering wheel and wooden rim complements the timber dashboards, leather and brightwork found in many classic Jaguar interiors.
The Jaguar E-Type, in particular, is one of the defining examples of a classic sports car interior paired with a wood-rim steering wheel. We recommend Les Leston Grand Prix steering wheels for Jaguar models.
MG
A wooden steering wheel is also a popular choice for classic MGs.
Suitable models include:
- MGA
- MGB
- MGB GT
- MG Midget
- Earlier classic MG sports cars
Wooden steering wheels suit the simple interiors of these cars particularly well and have been a popular period-style modification for decades.
In fact, Les Leston steering wheels were an option on the MGB GT Special package and the racing team.
If you're replacing an existing aftermarket steering wheel on an MG, it may also be possible to retain the existing boss and have a Les Leston wheel made to suit it.
For these models, we recommend the Les Leston Monte Carlo and the Les Leston Grand Prix.
Triumph
Many classic Triumph sports cars are well suited to a wooden steering wheel.
Popular examples include:
- Triumph TR2
- Triumph TR3
- Triumph TR4
- Triumph TR5
- Triumph TR6
- Triumph Spitfire
- Triumph GT6
- Triumph Stag
A wood-rim wheel works particularly well with the timber dashboards found in several Triumph models.
For cars such as the TR4, TR5 and TR6, matching or complementing the dashboard timber can make the steering wheel feel like an integral part of the interior.
Our choice for these cars is the Walnut Monte Carlo Mk6
Austin-Healey
The classic Austin-Healey is another natural home for a traditional steering wheel.
This includes cars such as:
- Austin-Healey 100
- Austin-Healey 100/6
- Austin-Healey 3000
- Austin-Healey Sprite
These cars have strong links with traditional British sports-car styling, and a wood-rim steering wheel can complement their simple, driver-focused cockpits particularly well.
We recommend the Les Leston Monte Carlo walnut and engine turned model for these cars.
Alfa Romeo
Wooden steering wheels aren't limited to British classics.
Many Italian sports cars of the period used wood and polished metal extensively within their interiors, making a wooden wheel particularly appropriate.
Popular Alfa Romeo applications include:
- Alfa Romeo Giulia
- Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT
- Alfa Romeo 105 Series
- Alfa Romeo Spider
- Alfa Romeo GTV
Depending on the model and year, the original steering wheel design varies, but a period-style wooden wheel can be very well suited to these cars. We recommend the Les Leston Britalia wheels for Italian models.
Porsche
Classic Porsche interiors can also work extremely well with a wood-rim steering wheel.
Examples include:
- Porsche 356
- Early Porsche 911
- Porsche 912
Wooden steering wheels are particularly associated with certain early Porsche models and period specifications.
For an early 911 or 912, the diameter, spoke design and dish of the wheel are just as important as the choice of wood when trying to achieve a period-correct appearance.
There is only one option we recommend for Porsche models, because Porsche chose this model themselves in period for the 356, 904 and 906. That is of course the Les Leston Monte Carlo.
Ferrari
Some of the most valuable classic sports and racing cars in the world are associated with wood-rim steering wheels.
Classic Ferrari is a good example.
Many Ferraris from the 1950s and 1960s used steering wheel designs combining a wooden rim with polished or drilled metal spokes.
This style became an important part of the visual language of the classic Italian sports car and is one reason wooden steering wheels remain associated with performance cars of the period.
We recommend the Les Leston Grand Prix or the Monte Carlo for Ferrari models
Other classic cars suited to wooden steering wheels
The list extends far beyond the better-known British and Italian sports cars.
Depending on the model, period and desired specification, wooden steering wheels can also suit cars from manufacturers including:
- Aston Martin
- Lotus
- Mini
- Morgan
- TVR
- AC
- Sunbeam
- Lancia
- Maserati
- Fiat
Wooden wheels have also been fitted to numerous classic saloons, competition cars, specials and historic racing cars.
Did all classic cars originally have wooden steering wheels?
No.
This is an important distinction.
Just because a wooden steering wheel looks correct in a particular classic car doesn't necessarily mean that every example of that model originally left the factory with one.
Depending on the car and period, a wooden steering wheel may have been:
- Standard factory equipment
- An optional extra
- A dealer-fitted accessory
- A motorsport modification
- A period aftermarket upgrade
- Fitted during a later restoration
Aftermarket steering wheels were an important part of car culture during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
Owners changed steering wheels for appearance, driving position, grip and competition use, just as enthusiasts continue to do today.
Can I fit a wooden steering wheel to my classic car?
In many cases, yes.
The important part is ensuring that the steering wheel and boss are compatible with your vehicle.
The boss connects the steering wheel to the steering column and is normally specific to a particular car or range of cars.
If your classic already has an aftermarket boss fitted, you may not need to replace it.
Les Leston steering wheels can be made to suit a wide range of existing boss configurations, including common aftermarket mounting patterns.
If your car still has its original steering wheel and requires a boss, we can also help identify and supply the appropriate setup.
What size wooden steering wheel should I choose?
Choosing the right diameter depends on the car and the driving experience you want.
Larger-diameter steering wheels are common in earlier classics, particularly cars without power steering. A smaller wheel can provide a sportier appearance and create additional clearance, but it can also increase the steering effort required.
The wheel's diameter, dish, rim thickness and boss depth should therefore be considered together.
For a period style installation, it's often worth looking at the proportions of the steering wheel originally fitted to the car rather than simply choosing the smallest wheel available.
Choosing a wooden steering wheel for your classic car
The best wooden steering wheel should complement the car rather than look like an unrelated modern accessory.
Consider the existing dashboard, instruments, upholstery and other interior trim.
The choice of timber also makes a difference. Mahogany is the Les Leston choice, but we also produce wooden steering wheels in timbers including walnut, beech, oak and teak.
A darker walnut wheel may work particularly well with one interior, while mahogany or a lighter timber may better suit another.
Les Leston wooden steering wheels for classic cars
Wooden steering wheels have been part of sports-car and classic-car design for generations.
From Jaguar E-Types and MGs to Triumphs, Austin-Healeys, Alfa Romeos and early Porsches, a well-chosen wooden steering wheel can become one of the defining features of a classic car's interior.
At Les Leston, we produce wooden steering wheels for a wide range of classic cars and can accommodate many different boss configurations.
If you're unsure which wooden steering wheel will fit your car, get in touch with the make, model and year of your vehicle and we can help you choose the right wheel and boss combination.