Even though the steering wheel of a vehicle is meant simply for the purpose of turning the vehicle, we’ve found some of the coolest steering wheels ever made.
From early models of the wheel that steers a vehicle to the complicated versions with dozens of controls that we see today, steering wheels have changed over time. You might have a different idea of which ones that the most interesting and incredible, but these ten are certain worthy of some attention. Let’s dive in and see what some of these wheels offered over the years.
The Mazda MX-03 Doesn’t have a Wheel
The steering mechanism for the Mazda MX-03 looks like something from Star Wars that should be in a Tie Fighter or X-Wing model. This steering item has two handles the come out form a central pad to create a W-shape with the two sides being the handles. This car is made for some serious speed, which means you expect this steering yoke to have tight figures to keep the vehicle under control and right where you want it. There’s also a joystick and trigger button, which certainly makes you think this car is ready for battle.
The Lotus Evija Cuts Off the Circle
We know that flat-bottomed wheels are often the sign of a sports car, but the Lotus Evija has a wheel that curves upward at the bottom and isn’t flat. This is one of the coolest steering wheels in the market for this new all-electric Lotus, which is the first to come to the market. This car is expected to reach 200 mph, which might be why a sporty wheel is required for this EV.
The Citroen DS21 Offers a Strange Wheel
The first round steering mechanism on our list belongs to the classic Citroen DS21. This car came before controls were added to the wheels and Citroen chose to create something interesting. Instead of three spokes connected in the center, this wheel attaches to the steering system via one large spoke. This is a unique look that belongs on our list. This car was one of the first cars with front disc brakes, which was another interesting aspect of the DS21. One more for you, this car has 12,000 orders when it first debuted.
Steer With Your Palms in the Lancia Stratos Sibilo
The Lancia Stratos Sibilo brings one of the coolest steering wheels we’ve ever seen. You might think this to be a modern car because everything is integrated and you only drive wit your palms. There’s nowhere for you to grab around the rim of the wheel because the center is filled with controls. This looks more like a child’s toy, but it works well in this car. This Lancia isn’t a modern car, it came out in 1978.
The BMW Z22 Offers a Futuristic Design
The BMW Z22 is a concept car that came out before the turn of the century. If you look at it today, you will think this was a brand new concept because the futuristic design has still not been realized in the market. Maybe we’ll see a future BMW with the rectangular and flat steering mechanism of the BMW Z22, but not yet. This is a vehicle that you want to see even if all you do is look at the steering system.
The Wheel of the Maserati Boomerang was Insane
The wheel in this car jutted out of a tube and the central area had the gauges and a few controls to give this car a truly unique steering system. When you see this wheel, you might think it belongs on a fighter jet or one of the land-speed record cars. This car was on sale in 1974 and it had one of the coolest steering wheels we’ve ever seen. This was another wheel meant mostly for palm driving, but you could wrap your fingers around if you so desired.
The Steering Wheel Set the Tone in the De Tomaso P72
Anytime you have the name De Tomaso, you have a car that’s a bit over the top. The P72 brought a wheel that has a flat top and flat bottom while offering a trio of chrome spokes. This steering mechanism is unique and fits extremely well in this car that’s covered in fine leather with a diamond-quilted pattern. Only 72 models of the P72 ever made it into existence.
The Pagani Zonda R was a Trendsetter
The car is a seriously exotic machine, but the Zonda R offered more than its unique look and incredible speed. This car has one of the coolest steering wheels we’ve ever seen. The shape is right for a sports car with a flat bottom and it brings a ton of controls in the center to give you the buttons needed when taking this car around the track. The center of the wheel also features carbon fiber items that give this car a great look.
Sometimes a Simple Wheel is Pretty Cool
The Chrysler 300J belongs on this list. This car was made in 1960 and it had a large steering wheel much like most of the cars at that time. The shape wasn’t circular but more of a strange oval. This shape gave drivers more room to get in and out of the car. The center of the wheel featured two spokes that went downward in a V to hold the wheel in place. There’s also a chrome insert shaped like the wheel to add a bit more style to this mechanism.
The Bertone Lamborghini Athon Has a Trick
From some angles, it appears the steering wheel of the Bertone Lamborghini Athon wasn’t attached to anything. When you looked a little closer, you can see there’s a single spoke that attaches to the rear of the wheel. This makes for one of the coolest steering wheels in automotive history. This wheel is proof that you don’t need to have a lot of buttons and a strange shape to have a cool wheel.
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