OV9

Prompted by a comment from Harry in the "Old Race Track" thread - I've never really thought about who invented steering wheels in cars. Now I know. Such a superb innovation (inspired presumably by ships wheels/helms used on larger boats) coming only 8yrs after the car was invented.

In 1894 Alfred Vacheron entered the famous Paris-Rouen race and equipped his 1893 Panhard with a volant, or steering wheel. That race in France in 1894 is one of the earliest known instances of a wheel-shaped device being used to steer a car.

What was used before the wheel? Levers like tanks?

Dave you need to watch more of Fred Dibnah!

Early cars had a Tiller

Even better, the accepted pedal arrangement didn't arrive until 1916 with the Cadillac type 53. Car controls before that looked like a steam engine

Reminds me of this episode of Top Gear. Very funny:

Can’t believe he made it circular.. what an idiot!

Carlos wrote: Tue May 16, 2023 12:31 pm Dave you need to watch more of Fred Dibnah!

Early cars had a Tiller

I just think of the original Benz as the earliest car


Has a little knob which you rotate similar to a wheel I guess.