XR-7 G steering wheel

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Community Discussion
1

I have read that XR-7 G’s had leather wrapped steering wheels. I have seen pictures of G’s without this wrap. Was it left off some cars like the running cat valve covers or was it just an option that could be added to your order?
Steven

2

It wasn’t actually leather wrapped. It was wrapped with what I think was called a Sport Grip. It was foam backed vinyl with a vinyl lace that wrapped the wheel. They did not last very long, so within a few years they were mostly missing. The same wrap was sold in the after market for years after that.

The G did have a different center wheel emblem that was gold plated.

3

Thanks Bill. I guess that is why I have not seen the wrap in pictures. They just didn’t last long.
Steven

4

Steven, send me your email address and I shoot some photos of the original wrap that is on my G car.

5

Scott thanks for your offer. I sent you a pm with my email. Glad to have you posting here, welcome.
Steven

6

Steve, please send me your email address in a PM. I tried to reply and also send you a PM but the board says I am not authorized to do so. I guess its one way communication only via PM, at least for now.

Scott

7

Scott, I sent you another PM. Hopefully that one will get to you. If not my email is sjdara@yahoo.com
Steven

8

Steven, the photos have been sent. Are you looking to buy a G car, I have one that is partially restored I would be willing to part with.

9

Scott, I sent you an email.
Steven

10

Here are few photos of the Sport Grip wheel covering used on the G’s if anyone is interested. IT actually says Sport Grip embossed in the vinyl in at least one place I found:

11

Thanks Scott! The installation looks to be a little hap hazard, but it doesn’t surprise me at all. I bet that wheel is just beautiful underneath. The interior looks fantastic in those shots.

12

So, am I following this right? The high-end “leather-wrapped steering wheel” had basically the aftermarket vinyl cover one could pick up at Checker Auto in the back then? Like the blue one I put on my Gran Torino for about $7 in about 1980?

13

Yep. Pretty much the case. Only I think this is a case where the Sport Grip appeared in a few cars first, and then got popular in the after-market.