I don't see the gear knob as being all that bad however I do agree that the steering wheel is horrible. If there is no airbag replacing the steering wheel with something else should be relatively easy. Don't forget that the lateral "spokes" are probably designed to cover the paddle mechanisms. The major aesthetic problem, as far as I am concerned, is the fact that the alloy coloured spokes stand out too much. As far as the gear knob is concerned it may be possible to have parts of it "re-dressed" in a wood veneer. The specialist company that did my solid gear knob said that it would have been easier for them to cover the metal knob.

I think I would consider covering the steering wheel spokes with leather to match the upholstery and having the leather rim replaced, at least in part, with wood to match the dash and other trim items. I might consider keeping the hand grip part of the wheel in leather but it would have to match the upholstery leather.

A major issue as far as I am concerned is the awful dash. Even starting at the basic design it is dreadful. For a little more effort the dash roll in front of the steering wheel could have been raised in an arc to match the curve of the top of the steering wheel. This would then allow the tacho and the speedo to be placed where they should be in front of the driver. The alternative would be as was done on the Aero 8, as below.

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Unfortunately whilst it would be relatively easy to make a new dash shifting the speedo and tacho in front of the driver would be difficult because of the limited space available. I was able to do it on my Plus 4 because there was just enough space.

Tradition is all very well but in the case of the PlusSix perhaps the design element of the centre fitted speedo and tacho should have been left behind.


Peter

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