This is the original style factory issue optional wood rim steering wheel for the MGA. Notice the vertical spoke is narrower than the others and has a shorter slot. Face of the wood rim is smooth (no mother of pearl dots). Back of the wood rim has finger grips. The style exhibits and air of lightness in keeping with the stark equipment level of the bare bones sports car.

Clausager's book 'Original MGA' has the following details: Wood rim light alloy steering wheel supplied as an optional extra from Dec. 1957. Described as 'Italian Style', supplied by Bluemels (type SW/544 BMC part no. AHH5800-Y.

There will be any number of aftermarket accessory steering wheels of varying styles, but this was the only optional steering wheel offered by the factory during production of the MGA.


The original wood rim wheel is attached to the hub.with 1/4 inch countersunk square neck bolts. The 3/16 inch thick center ring in front contains square punched and counter sunk holes to provide the flush fit and prevent rotation of the bolts.

Original wood rim steering wheels are extremely rare in good condition. Excellent reproduction parts are available from:
www.pbase.com/mdlempert/mga2
Mike Lempert, Lempert Wheels
2124 Shell Ring Circle
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
Phone 843 856 7542
http://www.lempertgroup.com - - http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/wheels

Find more information in the Suspension & Steering section