Flexible steering wheel on 39 Lasalle

[bariman]

The build sheet on my 39 Lasalle notes an optional "flexible" steering wheel.  I assume this means the steering wheel with the 3 groups of 3 wire spokes but why is this called flexible?  I am often asked about this at shows but I don't have a good answer.

Does anybody know the history of this accessory?

Thanks

[Chris Cummings]

"Flexible" steering wheel is what Cadillac called the "banjo" steering wheel a lot of moderns talk about.  It was an option in the mid-1930s, and a dramatic change from black bakelite or enamel-over-metal solid-spoke steering wheels.  Don't know more history than that.

Best regards,

Chris Cummings

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I wonder if these were made to remove some of the shock that travelled through the steering components when travelling over rough roads, which were prevalent in those days.

Bruce.

[las39]

The build sheet on my 39 Lasalle notes an optional "flexible" steering wheel.  I assume this means the steering wheel with the 3 groups of 3 wire spokes but why is this called flexible?  I am often asked about this at shows but I don't have a good answer.

Does anybody know the history of this accessory?

Thanks

Yes it's the 3 wired model that became standard in 1939.

[las39]

I wonder if these were made to remove some of the shock that travelled through the steering components when travelling over rough roads, which were prevalent in those days.

Bruce.

I think you're correct. And/or to bend and break off in an accident.
I never push the car by the steering wheel like on a modern one.  It will flex and break.

[bariman]

thanks for the posts.

Dennis

[LaSalle5019]

I wonder if these were made to remove some of the shock that travelled through the steering components when travelling over rough roads, which were prevalent in those days.

Bruce.

"in those days"? You've not driven in Michigan recently.