Handcrafted steering wheels
Made in Britain
Beginnings
“In world where you can make anything with a machine, why are we still manufacturing steering wheels by hand” (Ollie Leston). The answer lies in traditional hand craft and a remarkable family legacy.
The journey started with Les Leston, who was born in Nottinghamshire. He was the grandfather of the Ollie Leston who is the current owner of steering wheels manufacturing factory.
Before World War II, Les honed his profession as a jazz drummer, performing with a band called The Clay Pigeons. He rapidly gained recognition as the best jive jazz drummer in the country, celebrated not only for his exceptional musicianship but also for his quick wit and sense of humour, making him a favourite on the circuit. Les was already pushing the boundaries of jazz drumming, experimenting with innovative rhythms and styles that distinguished him from his contemporaries.
When the second World War arrived, he quickly changed his profession and volunteered in the RAF and had to adapt fast to the precarious times. During the war he fought as served as a mid-upper gunner with the RAFs of Lancaster. This role required a keen sense of observation, as mid-upper gunners were responsible for identifying and tracking approaching enemy aircraft.
Racing
In 1949 after the second World War, Les debuted his racing. He started racing in a Jaguar SS100 and moved up to Formula 3. In 1952, he raced in the Luxembourg Grand Prix alongside some great racers such as Stirling Moss, Peter Colllins, Ken Carter and took the win which earned him a works drive for Cooper! He also competed in Le Mans, The Monte Carlo Rally and drove for teams like Aston Martin, Cooper, Ford. Counting all competitive classes, he stacked an impressive 154 global victories. This is quite remarkable for a racer who started at the age of 29!
Post War
After WWII, Les began his business career by acquiring surplus aeronautical equipment and founding Aero Spares, which led to significant success. The profits enabled him to enter motorsport and launch Les Leston Accessories, a well-known brand selling parts like steering wheels, gear levers, and flame-proof racing overalls. His business expanded through the 1950s and 1960s, helped by his reputation in motorsport.
Handcrafted steering wheels for cars and boats
The enduring legacy of handcrafted steering wheels continues today, passed down through generations of the Leston family. In Kent, Les’s grandson Ollie is focusing his craft on making steering wheels and his brother Harry is making the gear knobs entirely by hand. Upholding the tradition, Ollie used traditional techniques and tools, ensuring that each piece is meticulously crafted. What is impressive is that no CAD or CNC machines are used!
No two steering wheels are identical; each bears small imperfections and subtle variations, which are the hallmark of true craftsmanship.
The factory is currently manufacturing Les Leston Monte Carlo steering wheels. These steering wheels were used and endorsed by top drivers like Stirling Moss, Graham Hill, and Jim Clark, making them desirable for both performance and prestige. The factory can manufacture bespoke designs and is looking to create bespoke wheels for classic boats. The factory’s bespoke wheels can be tailored to match the style and requirements of classic boats, offering custom finishes and materials to suit individual preferences.
Learn more about Les Leston : Les Leston the best steering wheels in the world Les Leston Insta
Photographs on this article are the property of: © Les Leston (Do not use without their permission).
Special thank you to Ollie Leston for helping with the article and the pictures.