posted by Scott on May 7
1953-56 FJ Holden Special Sedan
“She’s a Beauty Mate!”
The FJ Holden is one of Australia’s most iconic cars from a bygone era, and was known as The ‘New Look’ Holden.
At the time Australians were becoming wealthier and could easily access credit, and so when the much anticipated FJ Holden came on the market in 1953 it sold in record numbers making it one of Holden’s best selling models.
The FJ was basically a revamped version of the 1948 FX Holden, which was the first Holden sedan, and kept the same 45kW 6-cylinder engine as its predecessor – and 3 speed manual transmission. At the time it sold for $2046 and there were around 170,000 produced in 3 different models: Standard, Business and the Special sedan.
Aussies loved this car (and still do today!) as it provided good performance, low maintenance, and great value for money.
This particular resoration has a very tastefully enhanced interior, set off beautifully with – you guessed it – a wooden steering wheel! : )
A 1953 FJ Holden interior with its original paint and upholstery. Photo: Dragi Markovic.
The Original look:
posted by Scott on Jul 18
This is an great blog from a guy named Jeff about the complete restoration project on his 68 Triumph Spitfire. A great example of a classic car with a wood steering wheel and woodgrain dashboard, which totally suits the character of the car.
His blog makes for an interesting read as Jeff describes each problem he encountered along the way, and how he resolved those issues. He has included pictures of all the stages, and does a fantastic job of restoring this classic to pristine condition, and eventually winning some car meet comps.
If you love classic cars, then you will greatly enjoy reading Jeff’s story.
See his blog on the TotallyTriumph site : http://www.totallytriumph.net/spitfire/projects2.shtml
posted by Scott on Jul 12
356 2000 gs Carrera 2 (Coupé and Cabrio)
www.theignitionpoint.co.uk
This Porsche has a 1966 cm³ ‘4-Zylinder-Saugmotor’ engine, with 96 kW/130 HP. Its factory specification acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h is 8.9 s
The Carrera 2 was the top model of the 356 series, and the first series of Porsche with disc brakes which were Porsche’s own design.
The sport version 2000 GS-GT has doors and hood covers made of alloy, a wood steering wheel, side and back windows made of plexiglass, and rear seats and bumper horns are missing. Engine performance is raised up to 114 KW (155 HP) at 6600 rpm.
Image Credit : Wouter Melissen
posted by Scott on Jun 13
Here is a 2006 BentleyContinental GT that comes with a wodgrain featured dashboard and wood steering wheel. This car boasts a 552 hp Twin Turbo 6.0L engine!
So – when thinking of wood steering wheels don’t just think old classic or muscle cars, they are still making modern luxury and sports cars look good today.
posted by Scott on Jun 12
Here is an interesting blog from a guy with a worn walnut and leather steering wheel discussing methods of repairing it, and the steps he took.
He has bought this wood steering wheel from a wrecking yard cheaply, and he discusses repairing a chip in the laquer and restoring the look of the leather.
You will find some good tips in the article.
Read the blog here
posted by Scott on Jun 3
Buying an aftermarket steering wheel to suit your car is very much a matter of personal choice, and so you may choose a wood steering wheel, leather steering wheel, or maybe a combination of both depending upon your needs and desires.
If you live in a warm climate you might find that a wooden steering wheel becomes slippery with perspiration from your hands, and so may choose a leather steering wheel for comfort and grip. Similarly if you live somewhere cold and your desire is to install a wood steering wheel, then you may want to look at a heated steering wheel such as some models made by TRC – which are “activated by a switch which quickly heats the rim of the wheel to provide a pleasant level of warmth… and will not disturb the leather or wooden surfaces” (fernandez – TRC).
Buying a steering wheel to suit your car can be an aesthetic choice, and if choosing a wood steering wheel you will generally have a choice of timbers such as mahogany, ash, walnut, or rosewood, and a range of light to dark stains. Some wood steering wheels also feature rivets set around the wheel (such as the Grant dark stained mahogany wheel), and can also have leather covering the joins between the spokes and the wheel rim – also known as “spats”. Spats can improve the appearance of a wheel and also make it more comfortable for the driver to hold.
Replacing the standard steering wheel is a matter of personal taste and function combined, and so every driver will have their own requirements. If you choose carefully, your steering wheel will improve the appearance of your car, and may help to improve your driving.
posted by Scott on May 28
Many classic sports cars came with wood steering wheels as standard, such as Porsche and Ferrari.
Click the links to see larger images of these cars…
www.theignitionpoint.co.uk
