by David Reilly » Tue Apr 20, 2021 1:36 am
See Newsletter Vol. 12, No.11 for the full story, but …
Vic Derrington started making steering wheels in the early 1950s and was granted a Patent, on October 5, 1955, for specific characteristics: slotted spokes, three spokes evenly spaced, and a laminated rim of mahogany with beech or white sycamore. In the 1950s - '60s, over 60% of Derrington's production was exported, most to the United States.
Bill Lyons asked Derrington to design and produce a special optional steering wheel for the Mk2. The steering wheel that Derrington designed especially for Jaguar to offer as a factory option differed from the standard wheel. It was of the standard 17 in. diameter, but with three solid spokes, two horizontal for mounting the Jaguar horn push assembly and a lower vertical spoke. It also had additional holes to left and right of center to attach the Jaguar horn ring assembly.
The Birmabright spokes were highly polished and the woodrim of contrasting laminations of white beech and rich red mahogany were clear lacquered to bring out the grain. The Jaguar optional steering wheel was priced at £12 and took the standard Jaguar center horn push and half horn-ring.
Jaguar Part No. C.25198 was offered as an option on both the Mk2 and ‘S’-type Jaguar. They were hardly ever seen on of either car and examples are very very rare.
Derrington gradually moved away from steering wheel production, fully concentrating on their successful tuning activities. By the late 60’s Derrington had completely stopped producing steering wheels and Moto-Lita continued manufacturing of the “Derrington" steering wheel.
Cheers,
David
- Attachments
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- Derrington steering wheel for Jaguar with horn push assembly.jpg (39.32 KiB) Viewed 2854 times
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- Derrington steering wheel for Jaguar without horn push assembly.jpg (27.12 KiB) Viewed 2854 times
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- Derrington patent drawing.jpg (18.58 KiB) Viewed 2854 times
See Newsletter Vol. 12, No.11 for the full story, but …
Vic Derrington started making steering wheels in the early 1950s and was granted a Patent, on October 5, 1955, for specific characteristics: slotted spokes, three spokes evenly spaced, and a laminated rim of mahogany with beech or white sycamore. In the 1950s - '60s, over 60% of Derrington's production was exported, most to the United States.
Bill Lyons asked Derrington to design and produce a special optional steering wheel for the Mk2. The steering wheel that Derrington designed especially for Jaguar to offer as a factory option differed from the standard wheel. It was of the standard 17 in. diameter, but with three solid spokes, two horizontal for mounting the Jaguar horn push assembly and a lower vertical spoke. It also had additional holes to left and right of center to attach the Jaguar horn ring assembly.
The Birmabright spokes were highly polished and the woodrim of contrasting laminations of white beech and rich red mahogany were clear lacquered to bring out the grain. The Jaguar optional steering wheel was priced at £12 and took the standard Jaguar center horn push and half horn-ring.
Jaguar Part No. C.25198 was offered as an option on both the Mk2 and ‘S’-type Jaguar. They were hardly ever seen on of either car and examples are very very rare.
Derrington gradually moved away from steering wheel production, fully concentrating on their successful tuning activities. By the late 60’s Derrington had completely stopped producing steering wheels and Moto-Lita continued manufacturing of the “Derrington" steering wheel.
Cheers,
David