How long did it take to get used to the ignition on the left side?

[Schrup]

Originally posted by Danskman
Of course, you all know the reason it's on the left, right?

Ok Mike I'll bite, why?
First time I went to turn my car off (test drive) I ground the starter. Haven't had any problems since.

[Harlan Chinn]

Do you do a walk around, pre-drive check and yell out "Clear" before you light the engine?

[Jeroen]

I'm always confused
I swap cars regularly, so when I'm in my daily driver, I reach with the keys to the left side of the steering column and when I get back in the Porsche I reach for the right...

cheers,

Jeroen

[silverc4s]

Mike,
I seem to recall that it had to do with the old "Le Mans start" races, as the German racing guys decided they would be a few seconds faster getting away, as the pilot could start car with one hand and engage first gear with the other...
By the by, the 901 box was known as a "Le Mans shift" layout also, because with first on a dogleg the top four gears that were actually used on the track were in a nice H pattern. First was only used at the start and later in the pits, for that initial acceleration...;-)

[Wavey]

The 3 cars I normally drive all have the key AND the power window switches in different places ('88 Carrera, Saab 9-3, Ford truck). I must look like an idiot when I get in - I sit there and wave my arms around until they get familiar with which car they're in.

[Rot 911]

You want odd? My Bugeye Sprite has the ignition switch in the middle of the dash and then you have to pull on a start switch that is located to the right and up from ignition switch.

[LeRoux Strydom]

both BMW's - RHD, keys on the right.
911 - LHD, key on the left.

I flip a simple mental switch when approaching the car.

LeRoux

[cassisrot]

My problem is starting off in second. where the he!! did they put first?

[Jocke]

Everytime when i jump into my car i have my key in my right hand, so i guess i havent learn it totally yet. i always remeber the ignition are to the left but still i keep the key in the right hand.

/J

[slater]

No problem here- every time I drive the car I come running out of my house and down the driveway to my car and give it a "le mans" start anyway.
How's this for odd- In my MGB, my ignition switch went out on me. I couldnt get a new one in time, so i used some spare parts from my boat and now I flip a switch to turn on the electrical, and push a button to start. I always planned on fixing it, but I kinda like it. Sure confuses my friends when they try to drive it

[Eric Coffey]

Originally posted by Harlan Chinn
Do you do a walk around, pre-drive check and yell out "Clear" before you light the engine?

LOL

But of course! Especially if the deck lid is raised. I wouldn't want anyone to get injured by that 11-blade "prop". hehe.

[steviee7]

Well I didn't think I'd care if it was left or right until I read this thread. Now I realized that having the ignition on the left is so stupid.

First, which hand do you open the door with? for me it's the left. the same hand that should have my key in. Now my door runs the risk of key scratches.

Second, after your in the car which hand do you close the door, For me it's the left again. Bad idea once again. I have to remember to put the key in the ignition and then close the door.
All my other cars I can get in and start it as the door is closing. And I'm off and on my way. No need to be careful scratching anything.

Sooooo... my vote is that the left is extremely dumb...

just my .03 cents

[Harlan Chinn]

Some simple instructions:

Step One: Unlock door with key in either hand, being careful NOT to scratch your paint. Leave door unlock for LeMans entry and start.

Step Two: Transfer key to left hand if not already.

Step Three: Slide into seat and at the same time insert key into ignition.

Step Four: Reach with left hand to close door and at the same time reach for the seat belt.

Step Five: Start (Light) the engine.

[pwd72s]

Originally posted by Kurt V
You want odd? My Bugeye Sprite has the ignition switch in the middle of the dash and then you have to pull on a start switch that is located to the right and up from ignition switch.

Kurt? Quit braggin'! You must know how much I love early Sprites.... 948 cc's and all. In my heart, they reside along with 356 A models, and the early 911. Ahead of, BTW, early Pontiac Goats. Probably because I actually owned two of those...

[cegerer]

Be careful Paul, one day I may just head out west in the Pepper and come take you for a spin ........ -- Curt