Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Motolita steering wheels

I would like to hear some opinions on Motolita wood rim steering wheels. I have ordered the walnut dash for the car.

I am looking at this classic style



or this, which has a walnut rim and the rim is of a slightly larger diameter. (the part you grip that is, not the wheel itself - both wheels are 14")



I very much like the look of the more classic riveted wheel but wonder if the walnut would not suit the dash better. My other thought is that the thicker rim of the walnut wheel may sit better in the hand.

I would particularly like to hear from people who have the walnut dash and a Motolita.

I can't comment on the dash...except that my friend bought his Plus 4 at the same time as my 4/4 sport with painted dash and his riveted wheel looks great with his walnut dash.

My 4/4 came with the slightly thicker walnut rim which I got them to change for the thinner riveted wheel which I much prefer for both looks and feel.

I had a think about this: I have the upper wheel. I realised that I drive with a light touch, almost finger tips, as I did with my Elan. In fact my car came with a thick leather wheel and black spokes but I'm pleased with the Motolita.
Meabh.

I think the riveted wheel is the most beautiful. But slotted spokes in combination woul stand out from the croud compared to the holed ones.
My MotoLita gave me greater feel when driving as I did not have to deform the factory sponge when driving.

Regards

GK

I have the walnut dash so went for the walnut motolita as in picture 2. It sits nice in the hand, though I must say I often drive in gloves anyway. Aesthetically it is a great match and compliments the walnut dash.

Gambaluga, have a look at the pics of the new Morgan 4/4 75th Anniversary Photos (in better quality now also on MMC homepage). It looks very classy. I guess she has the "thicker" steering wheel - in walnut?. I´ve had such a wheel in another Morgan (hope the pic has been uploaded).

For me, the feel and handling given was much better with more grip. I can compare because my Teal Roadster Sport came with the thinner rivet wheel. I changed it immediately against a Motolita leather wheel (also slightly thicker) for better grip - and ref the looks with black trim.
But ergonomic needs may be a very subjective topic and I have quite large hands.

my car came with walnut dash and the top wheel. They make a good combination. I have no problem with the diameter of the wheel.

Geir
The photos are from the Motolita site. In fact I prefer the look of the round holes but I made no comment because I was curious to see if anyone else commented on this difference between the first and the second photo. Thankyou for your comment.

62TC & Heinz
I also have largish hands with long fingers and often drive in gloves, particularly if I am using a wood rimmed wheel.

For a moment I also considered a leather rim in tint with the seat leather. I think I will have the black plastic steering column cover finished in leather too.

Thanks to everyone for the input.

I also have a walnut dash and a wheel as per picture 2; ie with the slots, which I like for both looks and feel.
As for slots or holes; I went for slots a decision not entirely un-connected with seeing a friend (who will remain nameless) sat in his car with his finger temporarily stuck in one of the holes.
This would be bad enough, but he had just parked on the ferry deck, en route to Le Mans in 2006. We never remind him of the incident!!!
Bud

I also have a walnut dash and a wheel as per picture 2; ie with the slots, which I like for both looks and feel.
As for slots or holes; I went for slots a decision not entirely un-connected with seeing a friend (who will remain nameless) sat in his car with his finger temporarily stuck in one of the holes of the wheel on his 4/4
This would be bad enough, but he had just parked on the ferry deck, en route to Le Mans in 2006. We never remind him of the incident!!!
Bud