A faithful tribute to the iconic 1950s "banjo" steering wheel style — a three-spoke wheel with multiple thin metal "string" spokes radiating from the center, instantly recognizable as the original Porsche 356 and early Volkswagen interior design. This 15.5" wheel finished in silver / grey brings the period-correct look to restored, resto-mod, and Cal-look air-cooled builds. EMPI part #79-4060-0.

What "banjo" means and why it became iconic

The original banjo steering wheels of the late 1940s and 1950s used radiating thin spokes between the rim and the hub that resembled a banjo's strings — a structural design that kept the wheel light while creating an instantly distinctive look. Porsche 356 and early VW Beetles both used factory banjo-style wheels, and the design has been continuously revived in restoration and resto-mod culture for over half a century.

This EMPI wheel reproduces the look in a 15.5" diameter — a comfortable, period-correct size that suits both stock-look restorations and Cal-look custom Beetles.

Specifications

• Diameter: 15.5 inches
• Style: Banjo (multi-spoke radial design)
• Color / finish: Silver / grey
• Spokes: Three primary spokes with banjo-style string detail
• Part number: 79-4060-0
• Vendor: EMPI

Fitment

• Classic VW (Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Type 3, Bus, Thing) with appropriate steering wheel hub adapter
• Vintage Porsche 356 and early 911/912 with correct hub adapter
• Other resto-mod, hot rod, and custom builds using a 15.5" wheel

Hub adapter required. Steering wheel hub patterns vary by year and model. This wheel uses a universal-style mounting pattern and requires a vehicle-specific hub adapter (sold separately) to fit your specific steering shaft. Common adapter applications include early/late VW, Ghia, Porsche 356, and aftermarket steering columns — confirm your application before ordering.

FAQ

Will this bolt directly to my Beetle steering column?
No — you'll need a hub adapter that matches both this wheel's bolt pattern and your specific VW year/model steering shaft. Adapters are inexpensive and widely available.

Is the rim metal or wrapped?
The rim is finished in silver / grey. This is a painted/finished metal wheel — not a wood wheel and not leather-wrapped. The finish gives a period-correct factory-style look.

What's the difference between this and the black version?
Identical wheel and construction; the black version (79-4059-0) is finished in gloss black rather than silver. Choose based on interior color preference.

Will it fit my Ghia or Type 3?
Yes, with the appropriate hub adapter for your specific application.

Is the horn button included?
Check listing photos and contact us to confirm — horn button is sometimes a separate purchase depending on application. Most banjo wheel adapters include or are compatible with a center horn button.

Is 15.5" too small for daily driving?
15.5" is on the smaller side of stock-replacement wheel sizes (factory VW wheels were closer to 16–17"). The smaller diameter requires slightly more effort to turn at parking-lot speeds on a non-power-steering VW, but most owners adapt within a few drives and prefer the look and feel.