20 Strangest Steering Wheel Designs In Automotive History
A steering wheel is supposed to be simple. A round thing you grab, turn, and go. But some automakers apparently got bored with that idea and decided to reinvent the wheel, literally.
Over the years, cars have hit the road with yokes, rectangles, single-spoke contraptions, and even designs that look like they belong on a spaceship rather than a sedan.
Imagine hopping into your car one morning, only to realize your steering wheel is shaped like a boomerang.
That is exactly the kind of thing Citroën thought was a good idea at one point.
Some of these designs were ahead of their time, others were just weird for the sake of it, but all of them left drivers doing a double take.
1. Citroën DS (1955)
I once sat in a Citroën DS, and the single-spoke steering wheel left me in awe. It felt like holding a piece of history, where innovation met elegance.
This unique design was not just about aesthetics; it provided an unobstructed view of the dashboard. Did you know it was one of the first steering wheels to prioritize driver comfort and visibility?
The Citroën DS challenged conventional designs, paving the way for future automotive innovations without needing to rely on complex mechanisms.
2. Aston Martin Lagonda (1976)
The Aston Martin Lagonda’s rectangular steering wheel was a bold move. It looked more like an art piece than a car component, setting it apart in automotive design.
Like a spaceship control, this wheel added an air of luxury and sophistication. It was a transformative moment, pushing boundaries and challenging norms.
Its unique shape not only complemented the futuristic dashboard but also enhanced the overall driving experience, making it memorable and distinctive.
The Lagonda’s wheel was an analogy for daring innovation wrapped in elegance and class.
3. Oldsmobile Incas (1986)
Driving the Oldsmobile Incas felt like stepping into the future. Its oval steering wheel was more than just a curiosity; it symbolized forward-thinking design.
What happened to such bold creativity in steering wheels? This wheel was part of a legacy of pushing boundaries, yet it remains a mystery why it didn’t catch on.
It still serves as a reminder of a time when designers dared to dream beyond conventional shapes, challenging what a steering wheel could be and inspiring future innovations.
4. Lancia Sibilo (1978)
The Lancia Sibilo’s hexagonal steering wheel was truly unique. It shared similarities with the Lamborghini Marzal’s wheel, which was also angular and futuristic.
Unlike its counterparts, the Sibilo’s design focused on geometric precision. This angular approach was a stark contrast to the smooth lines of typical steering wheels.
The Sibilo dared to redefine what a wheel could be, offering a new perspective on how form meets function in automotive design. Its boldness was both a statement and a challenge to traditional concepts.
5. Peugeot Moovie (2005)
I remember seeing a Peugeot Moovie concept and feeling intrigued by its joystick-like steering device. It was unlike anything I had encountered before.
The wheel wasn’t just about steering; it represented a shift in how we think about control. Did you know that this design aimed to enhance urban navigation?
It was a testament to Peugeot’s commitment to innovation, blending form and function in unexpected ways. The Moovie’s steering device continues to be a fascinating example of thinking outside the box.
6. BMW Z22 Concept (1999)
BMW’s Z22 Concept introduced a digital steering interface that felt ahead of its time. It was as if the wheel was a gateway to the future, connecting driver and machine in harmony.
The interface resembled a control panel from a sci-fi movie, with its sleek technology-driven design. This wheel wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a symbol of innovation and technological advancement.
It represented a leap into uncharted territory, offering a glimpse of what was possible in the world of automotive engineering.
7. Tesla Model S Plaid (2021)
Having experienced the Tesla Model S Plaid, I was intrigued by its yoke steering wheel. It felt like a nod to the future, challenging what we expect from steering design.
Why aren’t more cars embracing such radical changes? The yoke wheel represents a shift in legacy, moving towards a more streamlined and tech-focused driving experience.
It questions the norms and encourages us to think differently about what driving can be. This wheel is a testament to Tesla’s influence on modern automotive concepts and innovation.
8. Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination (1996)
The Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination featured joystick steering control, much like the BMW Z18’s alternative steering approach.
Unlike the typical circular wheel, this design offered a new way to navigate, focusing on innovation and user experience.
It was an intriguing departure from the norm, showcasing Mercedes’ ability to rethink the fundamentals of driving.
By offering a joystick, the F200 Imagination invited drivers to explore a different relationship with their vehicle, one that embraced technological progress without losing sight of elegance.
9. Buick Y-Job (1938)
I once had the chance to see a Buick Y-Job, and its classic steering wheel transported me back in time. The wheel was a symbol of timeless elegance, blending form and function seamlessly.
Did you know it was one of the first concept cars to showcase what future automobiles could be?
The Y-Job’s steering wheel was part of a legacy of pioneering design, setting a standard for creativity and innovation in the automotive industry that continues to inspire today.
10. Ferrari 360 Modena (1999)
The Ferrari 360 Modena’s steering wheel was a masterpiece of design. It was more than a tool; it was an extension of the driver’s will, akin to a conductor’s baton guiding an orchestra.
Every curve and button was meticulously crafted to enhance the driving experience. This wheel symbolized speed and precision, a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to excellence.
It wasn’t just functional; it was an artistic expression of the brand’s racing heritage, blending performance with elegance in a way that few others could.
11. Nissan Pivo 2 (2007)
Driving the Nissan Pivo 2 was like holding a glimpse of the future. Its spherical steering device challenged traditional norms, offering a unique driving experience.
Why aren’t more designs embracing such innovation? This wheel was a part of Nissan’s ongoing legacy of pushing technological boundaries.
It raised questions about the future of steering and control, inviting us to imagine new possibilities. The Pivo 2’s design remains a bold statement, inspiring new ways to think about interaction between driver and machine.
12. Cadillac Cyclone (1959)
The Cadillac Cyclone’s space-age steering wheel had a unique flair. It shared a futuristic aesthetic with the Oldsmobile Golden Rocket, emphasizing innovation and style.
Unlike traditional designs, this wheel was a bold step towards a sci-fi future. Its circular form was simple yet captivating, offering a glimpse of what was possible in the world of automotive design.
The Cyclone’s wheel was a statement of ambition, showing how creativity and technology could come together to redefine the driving experience.
13. Subaru XT (1985)
I remember the first time I saw a Subaru XT, its polygonal steering wheel caught my eye. It was a quirky design that stood out in an era of conformity.
Did you know it was one of the first wheels to integrate electronic controls? The XT’s wheel was a bold move, blending the past with a hint of the future.
It was a reminder of how creativity and courage can lead to unexpected innovations, making it a memorable part of the automotive landscape.
14. Maserati Boomerang (1971)
Maserati Boomerang’s steering wheel was a geometric marvel. It was more like a piece of modern art than a car part, akin to a sculpture in a design museum.
The wheel’s angular lines and bold shapes drew the eye, creating a sense of motion even when stationary. It was a daring statement of style and innovation, reflecting Maserati’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
This wheel wasn’t just about function; it was an artistic expression of the brand’s vision, merging aesthetics with engineering excellence.
15. Pontiac Trans Am KITT (1982)
The Pontiac Trans Am KITT’s steering console was a marvel of its time. Experiencing it felt like stepping into a sci-fi world.
Why aren’t today’s cars as imaginative? KITT’s wheel was a part of a legacy of innovation, challenging what a car could be.
It raised questions about the future of driving, inviting us to dream big. This steering console remains a symbol of daring creativity, inspiring new generations to think beyond the ordinary and explore the possibilities of tomorrow’s technology.
16. Toyota FXV-II (1985)
The Toyota FXV-II’s circular steering wheel was an intriguing design. It shared a resemblance with the Mazda MX-03’s wheel, both embracing a futuristic aesthetic.
Unlike more traditional shapes, this wheel focused on simplicity and ergonomic appeal. It was a bold departure from conventional designs, highlighting Toyota’s commitment to innovation and forward-thinking.
The FXV-II’s wheel invited drivers to explore a new relationship with their vehicle, one that embraced modernity and challenged preconceived notions of what a car could be.
17. GM Firebird II (1956)
I had the chance to admire a GM Firebird II, and its jet-inspired steering wheel was unforgettable. It was a design that dared to dream, merging aviation with automotive concepts.
Did you know it was one of the first cars to feature drive-by-wire technology? The Firebird II’s wheel was a symbol of a time when designers were willing to take risks, crafting a vision of the future that was both daring and imaginative.
It remains a testament to the power of creativity and innovation.
18. Mazda MX-03 (1985)
The Mazda MX-03’s digital steering wheel was a vision of the future. It felt more like a control panel from a spaceship, merging technology with design.
This wheel wasn’t just about guiding the car; it was a statement of progress and innovation. It symbolized a new era of driving, where screens and digital interfaces took center stage.
The MX-03’s wheel was an analogy for a world where technology redefines possibilities, offering a glimpse of what could be achieved when imagination meets engineering prowess.
19. Chevrolet Astro III (1969)
Sitting in a Chevrolet Astro III, I was captivated by its joystick steering device. It felt like a step into the future, challenging what’s possible.
Why don’t more cars adopt such bold designs? The Astro III’s joystick was part of a legacy of rethinking how we interact with vehicles.
It questioned norms and explored new possibilities, inspiring us to dream of a future where innovation knows no bounds. This design remains a symbol of daring creativity, encouraging us to explore the unknown.
20. Renault Trezor (2016)
The Renault Trezor’s single-spoke steering wheel was a striking design choice. It shared a modern aesthetic with the Tesla Model 3’s minimalist approach, focusing on elegance and simplicity.
Unlike more traditional designs, this wheel offered a fresh perspective on how form and function could coexist.
The Trezor’s wheel was a bold statement of innovation, showcasing Renault’s ability to push boundaries and redefine expectations.
It invited drivers to embrace a new era of automotive design, one that values creativity and technological advancement.