There are three absolutely vital control input devices that you have in the car. There’s the brake pedal, your ability to stop motion that’s unwanted. There’s the ignition switch, which brings the “auto” part of automobile to fruition, the source of mechanical life for your car. And then, there’s the steering wheel. It is the input, the connection between the tires and your brain. Unless you own antique vehicles and utilize a tiller like a proper sir, the steering wheel has been and will be the method by which you actually control the vehicle. It’s changed plenty over the automobile’s history, from large wheels that were necessary to move manual steering systems to small wheels for sports cars, from thin wheels that felt like a simple bent rod in your hand to today’s plush-grip surfaces. Horn rings, horn buttons, tons of buttons (looking at Pontiacs of old again?) and adornments that catch the eye. Big square airbag wheels and the ever-popular three-spoke design that never seems to go out of style. The steering wheel is where you take control. Without a doubt, surely you’ve taken more than a casual glance at one.
So…out of all the factory steering wheels you’ve ever encountered, which one is your favorite? I have a suspicion that the era you grew up in will have a strong effect on your choices. Myself, I’m in my mid-thirties, so there shouldn’t be a shock at my choices. They all have a few things in common: they had plush grips but weren’t super-thick, were a bit bigger in size without being ridiculous, all have button-style horn pads, and all but one had exposed metal somewhere. And I’ve operated every last one of them, from the Ford three-spoke wheel to the Oldsmobile sport wheel. I’ve owned a Monte Carlo SS, a mid-1970s Camaro, and I’ve got a 1980s-era Dodge sport wheel that you’d normally find in a Daytona, Ramcharger or a sporty-optioned Ram in the Imperial. Dream of Tuff wheels, or rim-blows, or maybe the ornamental wheels from the 1950s? Which one do you appreciate more?
Mopar Tuff wheel.
No doubt about it, ‘ 65-‘ 66 Mustang Shelby.
I have to agree on that one.
The one Shelby put on the 67 models was beautiful as well. Two others that were favorites of mine were the Plymouth “Forward Look” wheels with the clear sections with flake in them and the 60’s Oldsmobile wheels with the deep offsets on the horn ring at the center. So much style!
1970-1981 Pontiac Formula wheel
Mid ’60s Chrysler tilt/telescope. The dial to loosen the telescope comes all the way off and you can hide your stash in there.
You’re absolutely right about the era you grew-up influencing opinions. For me, the 70-81 Pontiac Firebird/ Trans Am wheels just look so right, especially the gold anodized look of a Y88 gold 1978 with engine turned dash behind.
Dodge / Plymouth Tuff Wheel
Tuff wheel
The 65-67 Shelby wheels are tough to beat,that flat TransAm wheel is very cool,the split 4 spoke on the T/A Mopars is very cool (it may be a Rally I’m not up on MOPAR stuff) The Ford sport wheel used on everything from Pick Ups to Fairmonts and Mustangs looks good,I have one in my 68 Mustang.
I’ll add the 84-86 Mustang SVO/GT wheel,non Cruise control .
1964 Corvette Teakwood wheel. just love the feel of mine as I cruise around town
Mopar Tuff Wheel. Second place isn’t even close…