Arena993

This is what I have heard. Is it true?

The reason for the ignition being on the left was from when Porsche was primarily into racing. It was quicker for the driver to jump in the car start it and put it into gear. Just wondering if that is fact or fiction.

Bored in Louisville, KY

Bull

That is the story...and it was considered a help in Le Mans type starts with the drivers sprinting to their cars. All eliminated when it became consistered to be bad form to be buckling belts a few laps into the race....at speed.

Caveman

It's on the right in my car! ;-)

jimq

I heard a really smart left handed Porsche engineer decided that was the proper place to put it. Being left handed I agree

chris walrod

The key is on the left so that one can place his or her Starbucks in the cup holder with the right hand --shoot-- there isnt a cup holder...

As an aside-- my black 993 came with one of those billet cup holders that attach to the passenger seat mounting. And I used it the other day, but not for drinks. Wifey wanted a small aquarium for work. So as a surprise, I bought a 1G tank with pump and filter, along with a male Beta fish that is held in a plastic cup with a lid. Got in the car and quickly realised that I will use the cup holder for something

95 C4 993

Being left handed as well, I couldnt agree more.

texas911

So if you're car jacked, the car jacker doesn't know how to start the car.

kev

Sort of off topic, but on my old 993 Cup it was annoying that the windshield wiper stalk was on the right hand side of the steering column. I would frequently activate the wipers after shifting while bringing my hand back to the steering wheel and while racing I never could get it to turn off. On the 996 Cups (street cars too?), I think Porsche reduced the size of the stalk to remedy this, but I've done it once still.

Slow Guy

In the 968 it's on the right side, funny thing is that's the only car I automatically reach for the key on the left! Since neither 911 have been DD's I have to think about them but in the 968 it's automatic, don't know why.

Thaddeus

I don't know why but I like it. It's the car's way of letting you know right away that you're driving something unique.

ZombiePorsche44

Porsche has it on the left for the same reason Saab has it on the center console........What that reason is, is anyone's guess.

ZP44

texas911

Saab is on the console because it locks the tranny when the ignition is off.

ZombiePorsche44

Thanks, I never knew that, but then again, the only thing I ever wanted from Sweden only comes in Blonde!

ZP44

Bull

Yep, and Porsche had the lock on the trans for many years, but used a seperate key.

MarkD

LeMans start, one hand starts the other puts car into gear.... go! I guess that was the plan until around 1970(?).
Seems to be the consistent story based on numerous publications.