The Wood Steering Wheel Guide

posted by Scott on Jul 16

What would you say is the most famous car in the world? There are innumerable well-known race cars, classic autos fetching millions at auction, and other high profile vehicles. There are also any number of cars that have made featured appearances in movies. There are the Mini-Coopers from “The Italian Job,” Herbie, the personable VW Bug from “The Love Bug” series, and Steve McQueen’s Ford Mustang from the trendsetting 1968 action flick, “Bullitt.”

Still, there’s really no competing with James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 which debuted in 1964′s “Goldfinger.” Since this distinctive, gadget-filled auto was declared by author Philip Porter to be “The Most Famous Car in the World” in his popular (though now out-of-print) 1999 treatise, we have to assume that item below is the most famous steering wheel on the planet.

Pretty simple looking for such a gadget-filled car, isn’t it? The switches for the machine guns, oil slick, ejector seat, and all the rest were located elsewhere on the vehicle for an outstanding reason: Bond has to grip the the thing and loading it up with a lot of buttons and nobs would have only cramped his driving style and made it harder for him to attempt to romance the (actually not all that interested) Tilly Masterson. Yes, he had much better look with her sister, Jill, and with, er, Pussy Galore, but the Aston Martin wasn’t involved in those scenes.

Still, it wasn’t only the gadgets that made the DB5 such an instantly beloved auto, it was the styling. This beautiful wooden steering wheel is certainly indicative of the classic design that made the car such a natural for a slightly snobbish spy-cum-superhero like 007. The DB5 steering wheel is simple and unfussy yet gorgeous. Isn’t that, when you think about it, the very definition of cool?

posted by Scott on Jul 8

posted by Scott on Jun 13

These photos are before and after shots of a Subaru Forester that has had a new steering wheel fitted featuring mahogany highlights.

As you can see from the pictures, the mahogany sections really give the console a lift, and gives the interior a classy look.

Customised steering wheel…nice!

Check out the post and full size images here:
Subaru Forester Article

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 May 19

Could your car do with an interior upgrade?

Easy – replace that boring rubbery plastic steering wheel with a purpose-built wood steering wheel. Imagine driving along an open country road with your hands gripping a beautiful hand rubbed mahogany wood steering wheel with  aluminum spokes polished to a brilliant mirror finish – oh yeah!

The steering wheel is the one device that makes us truly feel connected to the road, visually inviting us to jump in the driver’s seat and take that car for a spin. Though it you can feel every aspect of the road’s surface, and why not do it with something that draws the gaze of your eye, and feels thrilling to touch.

Any true enthusiast would consider customising their prized machine with something more befitting than the original steering wheel, transforming the interior and bringing out the true character of the beast within. Classic car manufacturer’s started installing wood steering wheels on their muscle cars years ago, and you will find them in the likes of Corvette’s, Chevy Camaro’s, and Mustangs.

Many modern luxury cars use steering wheels that combine leather and and wood to create a sublime atmosphere, and tie in the look of a woodgrain panelled dashboard, giving the feeling of opulence and luxury.

An average car interior will gain an instant lift with the addition of a classy mahongany or walnut wood steering wheel, and will be transformed into something that begs to be driven. As any luxury car owner knows, a well positioned and proportioned steering wheel enhances driver comfort, and increases driveability of the vehicle.

Here at the Wood Steering Wheel Guide we have links to articles about classic and modern cars with wood steering wheels, repairing old steering wheels,  replacing steering wheels, and adding dashboard kits. We aim to give you ideas on how you can transform the console of your favorite car.

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‘Streetwires’—–Camaro/Cheville/El Camino/Impala—– Dark Wood