LHD vs. RHD

Edited on 2007-06-03 10:32:06

is David going to be delivering the US Mail in the Jaguar? or worse, Renting it? I don't let my wife drive my classic Jaguar, let alone hand the keys to RENT it! Bad idea!

I think John Testrake hit the nail in the head about DRIVING a RHD.

Edited on 2007-06-03 1:32:13

It is very easy! I often sell Classic British cars, many of which (particularly Rolls) are right hand drive. Whenever anyone asks how difficult it is to drive I tell them "every mail delivery person drives one" The fact is they offer certain advantages. The real reason there is concern with them is RUST. As you might know the UK has very strict safety regulations - as do some US States- and every vehicle has to be tested yearly. If there is any chassis rust or serious body rust the car will not pass, as a result it bexcame worthless there. In the mid to late 70's many unscrupolous people bought these cars in the UK and shipped them here (California) where we have no safery regulations. Some are still in use today many have simply collapsed (literally). But the legacy of that time is RHD are bad cars. The fact is that many classics -particularly Rolls Royce- were only available in RHD. Furthermore, Rolls, in order to be more efficient decided to build LHD cars in the USA (Springfield)in the 1920's, they gave up as they discovered that buyers wanted the (real thing) RHD UK made cars. I believe most of the Bugatti Royales are RHD. One last point, the hot market for RHD cars is UK, a good Mk 1X would sell for at least double the price it would fetch in the USA! The very last point. I operate the Classic Car Rental Connection, a National registry of over 2500 privately owned classics, I am constantly in need of RHD models of evey type! Jaguar affectionado and etc.

Edited on 2007-06-03 12:42:12

Edited on 2007-06-03 12:40:51

My opinion is: get a LHD car, it has more resale value in the USA than a RHD. (I don't like RHD cars myself for USA use, so I'm biased). But I know most people used to USA LHD don't consider buying them either, not for USA driving. if I was in the UK, I'd buy a RHD. When in Rome, do as the Romans.

Hi David,
RHD is really not a big deal, but it does take a bit of getting used to. It's fun, I like the looks I get. People always smile when they see that the car is right hand drive.

The driver's position is near the edge of the road where there seems to be more potholes and debris. Passing on a two lane road is challenging as you can't see around the car in front of you unless you pull way out into the oncoming lane. Using the mirrors in the car is tough sometimes as your frame of reference is off.

Parts are harder to get if they are rhd specific. I had to order a brake master cylinder from the UK. The same part for lhd is available at any NAPA store.

All in all, I like the quirkiness of rhd, and for a hobby car that's not your daily driver, it's easy to look past the odd differences.

John Testrake
74 XJ12L rhd
Jaguar Association of Greater St. Louis