Abstract: An adjustable motor vehicle steering column including a stationary element, an adjustable element supported on the stationary element for relative linear translation, a steering wheel on the adjustable element, an infinitely adjustable primary clamp, and a secondary clamp for preventing relative linear translation of the adjustable element in a collapse direction in the event that the primary clamp is overpowered. The primary clamp includes a pair of depending levers on the stationary element, a pair of bosses on the depending levers, a control shaft spanning the depending levers and rotatable by a control lever, a cam on one of the depending levers, and a follower on the control shaft. The cam and follower flex the depending levers to thrust the bosses against the adjustable element to capture by friction the position of the latter relative to the stationary element.