Moto-Lita: which size is better?

[Jack]

Hi guys,

I saw the classic 3-spokes Moto-Lita steering wheel with wooden rim: I am going to purchase one, but I am not sure about its size.
This steering wheel is available with two differente diametres, 14 or 15 inches. Which one is the right choice in your opinion?

I would pick the 14" because it looks more sporty, but I would like to have a suggestion from expert Sprite owners.

Tks,
Jack

[trevor]

Definitely 14".

[trevor]

http://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/wheels

[Jack]

Nice wheels too! Some models look like italian Nardi wheels, they are true artworks but very highly priced!
I take a look at customers gallery and one of those wheels has been fitted on Nick Mason's Jaguar! (I love Pink Floyd!)

Are they expensive?

[trevor]

moderately expensive, and there is a wait time for a special order. However, he can make a steering wheel that looks more period correct. His Les Leston clone is popular for sprites.

[Jack]

There are many interesting models, like Les Leston or Falcon Le Mans replica but they have a big diametre (15.5")...
I would like to find a smaller wheel and so at the moment my first choice remains Moto-Lita, it's really fascinating for me.
Moto-Lita was Stirling Moss's favourite wheel and he raced in a Sprite too!

[trevor]

http://lecarra.com/mk3.shtml

[whitephrog]

Lecarra wheels are made a few miles from me. I've visited their facility and have purchased one of their wheels. Nice quality especially for the price.

[trevor]

I have two of their steering wheels.

[Jack]

I made a bit of confusion... the available models are 13" or 14" (330mm or 360mm)! Nardi wheels have the same sizes too...

So the actual choice is between 13 or 14 inches.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

[Bugeyeman]

Hi Jack, BIggest problem with the wheel pictured is finding a mounting hub to fit a Sprite steering column! Don't buy a wheel UNTIL you know you have a hub that will fit it AND the steering column. Contact Mike Lempert or google Lempert Wheels. he lives in South Carolina makes replica steering wheels. He recently borrowed an original Sebring Sprite wheel from me to use as a model to make copies. He also borrowed the adapter boss,so he has that as well. Stick to a 14" or 15" wheel. The original 16" was great if your legs are like twiggy's! Hey, Get back to me on your Innocenti soon. Ciao, Steve

[Jack]

Hi Steve, I assume that the mounting hub designed for AH Sprite Mk2 will works on the Innocenti too, don't you think? Maybe I can ask for details to MotoLita factory...