Basal Skull

So I know the story of why the ignition is on the left - so you can shift into gear as you are starting the car for certain races in the past. But I heard from a well respected German car restorer on Vancouver island (Rudy K was at his shop on sunday) that it was really because dr Porsche was left handed... Comments? So was thinking, on rhd cars, which side is the ignition on???

Mike J

I thought it was for Le Mans, you used to have to sprint to the car at the beginning, start and then take off. That way they could both put the car into gear and start the engine - saving a second or less.

Have not heard the left handed story before.

Cheers,

Mike

doc_porsche

Heard about the Le Mans one....... Maybe he was ambidextrous ?

911PERVY

RHD cars its on the right of the wheel, but the clever guys at Porsche put the gearshift on the left so we too can use both hands.

Quadcammer

always though the lemans story was stupid.

that 1 second may be a big deal in sprint race, but a 24 hour race? come on.

ronnie993tt

+1

Essexmetal

Years ago I was in the presence of this discussion taking place with a couple of enthusiasts and senior Porsche Engineers. The Engineers claimed that there was no specific reason. The key was put on the outside of the steering wheel on the earliest models and it just continued that way. The LeMans theory grew out of the need to give a propose to the unique ignition key placement.

Personally I will go with the two handed quick start story. Racing is racing regardless of the decade. Every advantage needs to be utilized.

Basal Skull, I grew up on Vancouver Island and Rudi Koniczek had a small two bay import car service station back in the mid 70's and grew it up into a well appointed facility doing all the high end imports in the area. Some people say that he could repair the most exotic vehicles, some would say he was a slippery business owner that screwed you with double billing and padded hours, but everyone would confirm he could spin quite a story. Not disputing his claims on the key location just reflecting back on a previous time.
Rick

XR4Tim

The LeMans story is the only thing that makes sense to me. Whether you're left handed or right handed, it's still non-intuitive in a street car, since I typically open the door with my left hand, holding the key in my right hand. Then I have to switch hands to start the car. In the old open race cars, they would hop right in the top, so opening a door was a non-issue.

ronnie993tt

OK. I have a completely made up theory. Back in the days of a manual choke, it allowed you to manipulate the choke while turning the ignition key. Wish key was on the left in my Z.

Mike J

Interesting idea - where was the choke on the old cars? (My earliest 911 was a 83).

Basal Skull

Hi, Rick. Interesting story. His shop and 'vault' was quite the sight. He talked some about this humble beginnings... He's sure done well for himself though. I left wanting to buy a MB 300 gull wing!

Ryojo

BrandonH

Nah, that logic alone doesn't negate the story, remember the lead up to starting the car was a friggin' _footrace_ across the track. Watch the old video, it's hilarious to think of starting a 24 hr race with a 10 yard sprint, but that was the practice... I think we've lost something since then of the theatre and spectacle that used to attend racing.

mausone46

Old Alfa Romeo had left key start too!!!
look at the pedal too

ca993twin

"self choking" carburetors were in use since the 1930s (maybe earlier) with the exception of the SU carbs (and their ilk) on British sports cars (and their copies).

Essexmetal

OK, I have a good friend that used to work for Porsche Engineering here in Michigan. He is currently working on some research with Karl Ludvigsen. I have asked him to contact some of his old Porsche people as well as discussing the issue with Karl. If these sources can't come up with something definitive on the key location no one can.
Rick