Fascinating - a remarkable 'small' detail of an iconic car. I've a friend here in Australia who has an original early E-Type wheel in his shed hanging up in his garage. Been there many many years - I always admire it when I visit him and his lovely collection of Jaguar Mk.2s
Thanks, Meikel. My E-Type is a 1967, but i bought an early series 1 steering wheel because they are so beautiful. It is all mahogany, I believe, because it is so dark. Loved hearing your descriptions of these wheels.
Hi Meikel pls add that on original steering wheels there is no engraved Motolita logo on the reverse side of the wheel.Another point to check for when trying to locate an original.Thx
I'm about to upgrade the wheel on my -69 S2 from a 14 inch leather trimmed after market wheel to a more original wheel. My supplier of choice is SNG Barratt. They have wooden rimmed wheels in various sizes and given the effort required to steer at zero and low speeds on the wider tires that I have I am tempted to buy a 16 inch wheel. But what was the original size? Thanks Meikel appreciate the English version.
Good day Hugh, the original size is 16", and the aluminum should be satin and not polished as that was changed as a safety requirement for the US in January 1967. ROW supplies kept the polished wheel for some time but eventually all S2 E Type had the satin wheel. I would always recommend the strong original wheel with the rounded "edges" and an original, even worn bakelite horn push rather than the plastic one. The repro might look better from distance but the original does give you more satisfaction in the long run (in my opinion).
Thank you very much for this. I have a '71 US DHC. The steering wheel is in good condition but the lacquer has worn off the wood. Can you recommend a brand of lacquer or even urethane that would work for the the steering wheel? Also, was the wood stained or left natural? Thank you for your time.
Hi Jim, the wood was not stained, but at the same time they are variations in tone. Please always keep your originals as it also can be repaired and brought back to nice condition. Will try to find more information on how the overhaul it.
What a useful video. Thanks for posting Meikel. Now I know that the steering wheel on my November '65 manufactured FHC is an original (radiused holes) but the horn push is not (ears are on the white squares).
Hello Alan, many thanks for your feedback. The purpose of my videos is to help people understanding their iconic cars and become more familiar with them. Sorry to hear your horn push is not the original. Please subscribe to my channel and share. Many thanks Maikel
Many thanks for reposting in English. this is most interesting. Thanks for the tip on how to get the horn push off with the 3 screws .most helpful and saved me potentially damaging my horn push. Hugh
Hi, I know a guy who is probably the best doing this job but since Brexit he is unable to source the correct wood. I might have a spare early wheel with the visible aluminium. Just in case.
