Several original steering wheel designs were fitted during Midget production, evolving with changes to chassis specification, horn arrangement, and interior trim. Most original wheels are now difficult to source or listed as no longer available, making aftermarket steering wheels the most popular replacement choice for owners renewing a worn or damaged wheel.
Original Wheel Evolution
The earliest Mk1 Midgets used a rubberised three-arm wheel in cream (early) then black (later). The Mk2 and early Mk3 continued with a three-spoke design and horn operation via the indicator stalk. The pressed-steel multi-hole wheel familiar from later Spridgets appeared at the GAN5 facelift in late 1969, with a series of decreasing-diameter holes in the spokes. This wheel went through several revisions during GAN5 and GAN6 production as MG progressively changed the spoke pattern to address visibility and finger-trap concerns, with a final change at GAN6-200001 (August 1977) where the horn operation moved back to the indicator stalk.
All original wheels mount to the splined top of the steering column, secured by a nut and shakeproof washer.
Aftermarket Steering Wheels
Aftermarket steering wheels are available in various sizes (12 to 15 inches), rim materials (wood, walnut, black leather, tan leather, aluminium), and spoke finishes (polished, black, chrome). The MGOC Club range offers flat and dished options with holes or slots in the spokes. Mota-Lita, Lecarra, and Momo wheels are available in their own designs. All aftermarket wheels require a boss adaptor kit to fit to the Midget column.
Boss Adaptor Specifications
Boss adaptor patterns cover the Midget range, and selecting the correct one depends on both the production date of the car and the original horn arrangement. Confirming both before ordering ensures the correct boss is supplied, fitting an incorrect boss will result in either the horn not functioning, the wheel sitting at the wrong angle, or the wheel not fitting the column splines at all.
9-Hole Boss Pattern
The 9-hole boss pattern is used with Mota-Lita and Lecarra wheels. Three sub-variants exist within this pattern: one for 1964 to 1969 cars, one for cars with stalk-mounted horn, and one for cars with centre-mounted horn push. The MGOC Club range uses its own boss pattern in three sub-variants matching the same production date and horn distinctions: 1964 to 1969, stalk horn, and centre horn.
12-Hole Boss Pattern (Momo)
The 12-hole boss pattern is used with Momo wheels and covers three production periods: 1964 to 1969, 1970 to 1971, and 1971 onward. Each period uses a different boss to match the column spline pattern and horn contact arrangement.
Horn Centre Types
Three horn centre types are available for aftermarket wheels: a fixed decorative cap (aluminium, polished, no horn function), a small horn push button, and a full-face horn push. The polished fixed centre cap and polished horn centres are available from both the Mota-Lita/Lecarra and Club ranges. The horn wiring connects through a slip ring and horn brush assembly on the column, and these components should be inspected if the horn ceases to function after a steering wheel change.
Steering Wheel Removal and Refitting
When removing or refitting the steering wheel, a mark should be made on the top of the inner column and the wheel centre before removal, so the wheel can be refitted at the correct angle with the spokes positioned symmetrically. The wheel retaining nut should be left on the end of the column by a thread or two during removal, when the wheel breaks free from its tapered splines (which can be sudden and violent), the nut prevents the wheel from hitting the driver in the face.