Take a nostalgic journey through the evolution of steering wheel style and design.
The steering wheel does more than control the car. It captures the spirit of its era. From polished wooden elegance to sporty leather-wrapped performance, each decade brought a new look and feel behind the wheel.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most iconic steering wheel styles from the 1950s through to the 1990s, and how you can bring those timeless touches into your own car today.
1950s – Polished wood and understated elegance
Refined, minimalist and oh-so-stylish. Steering wheels in the 1950s were typically large in diameter, slim in grip, and made from beautifully finished wood or bakelite. Think early Jaguar XKs and Aston Martin DB2s.
🛞 Recommended style: Plain or riveted wood rim, slim spokes, polished finish.
1960s – Motorsport influence and deeper dish designs
The racing boom of the ’60s brought drilled and slotted spokes, deeper dish designs and a more aggressive aesthetic. Cars like the AC Cobra, Porsche 911 and Lotus Elan led the charge.
🏁 Recommended style: Dished wooden or leather wheels with drilled or Cobra-slot spokes.
1970s – Bold shapes and thicker grips
Comfort and individuality took centre stage in the ’70s. Steering wheels became bolder, with thicker grips and distinctive spoke shapes. Perfect for Mustangs, BMW 2002s and Jensen Interceptors.
🔥 Recommended style: Leather wheels with chunky rims and anodised or slotted spokes.
1980s – Function meets flair
The era of performance-focused driving and practical design. Many wheels were slightly smaller in diameter, ergonomically shaped, and made for quick response. Great for Porsche 944s, Golf GTIs and E30 BMWs.
🖤 Recommended style: Leather-wrapped or suede wheels, flat-bottom options, black finishes.
1990s – Ergonomics and sporty sophistication
Steering wheels in the ’90s combined performance and comfort, with sculpted grips and more refined materials. Alcantara began to appear, along with multifunction shapes in high-end models.
⚙️ Recommended style: Slimmer leather grips and modern spoke layouts.
Bringing the look to life today
You don’t need a time machine to enjoy the style of your favourite era. At Moto-Lita, we create handcrafted steering wheels inspired by each decade, using traditional methods, quality materials and period-correct styling.
Whether you’re restoring a Jaguar, Mustang, Land Rover or Porsche, you’ll find a wheel that honours the heritage and enhances the drive.
👉 Explore the full range of steering wheels at our shop