We swapped my latest padded and wrapped sport wheel onto a buddies car. This is the wheel that came off of it. Is it worth anything as is? It is in pretty solid shape. Most of the wood grain inlay is intact and only a small crack at the very center top in the back. The horn worked fine. Second question: Would anyone be interested in something like this if I padded and wrapped it like I have the sport wheels?
I'll be darned! The Buick has worn off. I can see it there when the light is just right. It actually photographed better than I thought.
This is the "Deluxe" steering wheel. Not as sought after as the "Sport" steering wheel. It is worth something to someone whose build sheet indicated that the car came with this originally. A lot of the GS models came with those originally. I personally like them... they are more comfortable for driving.
I don't know if the early '70's LeSabres (big car) had the same diameter steering wheels as the A-bodys of the same years, but I've also seen these steering wheel designs on '71--'73 LeSabres. I know Buick moved from 16 incg steering wheels to 15 inch in the A-bodys in '71 (power steering becoming more popular and even std equipment on the big cars, etc., allowing smaller diameter wheels. If this steering wheel will work for LeSabres and Estate Wagons, you might get more/additional interest targeting those Owners. Also, check the 1973 Buick sales brochure (there is a weebsite called "Automobile Brochure Project" or the like which has them online) because I also think the '73 Century and maybe Regals used this steering wheel.
Yes, that wheel is correct for '71-'73 LeSabres, but not sure on Estates. Maybe a stripper, but there weren't many like that.
I agree with Dr. Roger. I can only speak for the ‘72s but this is the optional deluxe wheel. The standard steering wheel would be the “batwing” style 2-spoke plastic. you’ve got a pretty nice example there.
So, if I put it up for sale here, would people be interested in it as is or would someone like it wrapped in leather, padded to be a bigger wheel?
People have advertised on this site from time to time looking for that very wheel.... Somebody with a very original '71-'72 GS with a black interior (common) wants it as-is.
I never realized there was supposed to be Buick lettering on it! I will need to take a closer look at it now... ha!