Discussion
A question I posed on another thread but I wanted to hit a larger audience. I love American cars and have been lucky enough to drive a RT10, C5 and owned a Monaro (I know technically not American but American Heart/soul/
How do you find LHD in the UK? I've always thought it would be a right pain when driving fast with over taking and passengers being in the centre of the road. Visibility must be challenging when overtaking? I guess rolls and bridges where you pay such as Bristol and the Severn bridge historically whilst rare are a challenge?
Reason for asking is I recently bowed our of a Shelby GT350 auction due to LHD and always wanted a C6/C7 but LHD makes me worry.
I do also do a roadtrip deep into Europe every other year so actually LHD would be a winner here.
How do you find LHD in the UK? I've always thought it would be a right pain when driving fast with over taking and passengers being in the centre of the road. Visibility must be challenging when overtaking? I guess rolls and bridges where you pay such as Bristol and the Severn bridge historically whilst rare are a challenge?
Reason for asking is I recently bowed our of a Shelby GT350 auction due to LHD and always wanted a C6/C7 but LHD makes me worry.
I do also do a roadtrip deep into Europe every other year so actually LHD would be a winner here.
I think it depends on where you do most of your driving, and if you regularly encounter situations like tolls etc which would quickly become tiring. I’ve been daily driving a LHD SVT Lightning for the last year or so and I became used to it really quickly, I don’t even think about it now. There’s only been a couple of occasions where it’s been an issue. Occasionally an overtake takes more planning than usual but it’s no real issue. There is also a local road in my village, this goes down hill with multiple cars parked on the LHS, effectively making it single lane with passing places. I do tend to avoid this road if I’m going down it, as if I need to pull in it can be tricky to see to get back out. Fine going up it tho.
What I did before I bought the truck is think about the LHD for a couple weeks whilst I was driving to try and see where there were any situations where it might cause an issue. Not much at all.
What I did before I bought the truck is think about the LHD for a couple weeks whilst I was driving to try and see where there were any situations where it might cause an issue. Not much at all.
I have a lhd car. It's pretty much a non issue in my opinion. When you are traveling down tight or narrow roads it actually helps as you are able to place the car with more accuracy. Yes, it might stop you making the odd overtake on b roads, but how many times do you actually need to do that these days?
If you get a corvette, be sure to join the uk corvette club!
If you get a corvette, be sure to join the uk corvette club!
I've got and have had many lhd cars over the years and the only hassle I've had thats mildly annoying is car parking where you take the ticket out the machine when you enter, solved by having a passenger or leaning over and stretching then trying to get back in the seat to go through the barrier before it drops!
The rest of the time its hardly noticeable. Im driving loads of rural lanes in west Cornwall so if it was going to be a pain in the arse id have experienced it.
The rest of the time its hardly noticeable. Im driving loads of rural lanes in west Cornwall so if it was going to be a pain in the arse id have experienced it.
Can you survive with LHD? Yes
Is it worth it for a car you really want, and can't get in RHD? Yes
Is LHD a pain for overtaking? Definitely. (Unless you're on the Continent.)
As soon as new RHD Mustangs went on sale in UK it completely killed the market for equivalent LHD imports.
Anyone seen an LHD Corvette C8 in UK? I very much doubt it.
Is it worth it for a car you really want, and can't get in RHD? Yes
Is LHD a pain for overtaking? Definitely. (Unless you're on the Continent.)
As soon as new RHD Mustangs went on sale in UK it completely killed the market for equivalent LHD imports.
Anyone seen an LHD Corvette C8 in UK? I very much doubt it.
Panamax said:
Can you survive with LHD? Yes
Is it worth it for a car you really want, and can't get in RHD? Yes
Is LHD a pain for overtaking? Definitely. (Unless you're on the Continent.)
As soon as new RHD Mustangs went on sale in UK it completely killed the market for equivalent LHD imports.
Anyone seen an LHD Corvette C8 in UK? I very much doubt it.
Resale is a bit of a concern tbh. Thinking along the lines that unless you get something really special like a fast back Mustang then most buyers wanting to scratch the American itch will buy the RHD newer cars. Again probably over thinking. Is it worth it for a car you really want, and can't get in RHD? Yes
Is LHD a pain for overtaking? Definitely. (Unless you're on the Continent.)
As soon as new RHD Mustangs went on sale in UK it completely killed the market for equivalent LHD imports.
Anyone seen an LHD Corvette C8 in UK? I very much doubt it.
StoutBench said:
Panamax said:
Can you survive with LHD? Yes
Is it worth it for a car you really want, and can't get in RHD? Yes
Is LHD a pain for overtaking? Definitely. (Unless you're on the Continent.)
As soon as new RHD Mustangs went on sale in UK it completely killed the market for equivalent LHD imports.
Anyone seen an LHD Corvette C8 in UK? I very much doubt it.
Resale will be a bit of a concern if you are selling a LHD personal imported Mustang......with the used market seemingly awash with 'official' RHD cars any LHD car will need to be keenly priced.......or a non-UK availability model (like a Shelby version). Is it worth it for a car you really want, and can't get in RHD? Yes
Is LHD a pain for overtaking? Definitely. (Unless you're on the Continent.)
As soon as new RHD Mustangs went on sale in UK it completely killed the market for equivalent LHD imports.
Anyone seen an LHD Corvette C8 in UK? I very much doubt it.
Older 'classic' Mustangs that have been converted to RHD will be few in number.
Being as the only RHD Corvette you'll be likely to buy is a C8......the used price will surely be the main stumbling block for many potential buyers.
StoutBench said:
I love American cars and have been lucky enough to drive a RT10, C5 and owned a Monaro (I know technically not American but American Heart/soul/
How do you find LHD in the UK? I've always thought it would be a right pain when driving fast with over taking and passengers being in the centre of the road.
How refreshing to have a post in the Yank Motors section that is not just dumped in "Why so high?" Have long stopped reading that, as it was just full of drivel.....How do you find LHD in the UK? I've always thought it would be a right pain when driving fast with over taking and passengers being in the centre of the road.
Anyway, good to hear you too have had a Monaro and are contemplating LHD. Both here - A 2004 MY Monaro CV8 that I have had since new, and a 2023 Challenger Redeye Jailbreak, also from new. So I get to swap LHD and RHD depending which one goes out!
LHD not a right pain for overtaking, but a mild one, that is easily overcomeable. If you have a dependable spotter in the passenger seat, that's a big help. But they need to know their driving and ultimately, when you pull out for the overtake, its down to you for that last minute decision to go / no go. If on your own, there is nothing wrong with pulling across the road for a look, as long as you are far enough behind the car in front. For reasons unknown, this sometimes really annoys oncoming drivers, but you are only moving over for a look, and if unsuitable, moving back in again. But you do get some very irate looking folk coming the other way!
Another overlooked issue is turning left at a swept T junction. Especially in the Challenger which has a C pillar the size of Texas. If you are coming up on the branch road to turn left on the main road, and position yourself at say 45 degrees to the stop lines due to the sweeping of the junction, you can see bu99er all coming from your right. So the technique is to approach the junction square on as if you are turning right, but keep as left as kerbs will allow with LH indicator on to try and stop anyone sneaking up your nearside. Then get a good look at whats coming from the right and execute the left turn. Again, confuses other drivers, who now think you are lost.... Fortunately, with the bulk of the Challenger, you can fairly readily block off any filtering to your left whilst you get a look to the right.
Otherwise, its no big deal really. We have the ferry check in booths here on the "wrong" side, but you just stop short, nip out and go round to the window to speak to the check in agent. Again, no big hardship. So don't let it put you off too much. After all, you are only sitting a couple of feet to the left of where you would normally be!
I've owned almost as many LHD cars as I have RHD over the years, mostly 60's muscle cars, no real problems with LHD.
Visibility from some modern American LHD cars, particularly the Challenger and Camaro, is not so good though, then it helps to have a passenger to help you especially turning left and pulling out onto roundabouts.
But we get used to it.
Visibility from some modern American LHD cars, particularly the Challenger and Camaro, is not so good though, then it helps to have a passenger to help you especially turning left and pulling out onto roundabouts.
But we get used to it.
Windy Miller said:
How refreshing to have a post in the Yank Motors section that is not just dumped in "Why so high?" Have long stopped reading that, as it was just full of drivel.....
Anyway, good to hear you too have had a Monaro and are contemplating LHD. Both here - A 2004 MY Monaro CV8 that I have had since new, and a 2023 Challenger Redeye Jailbreak, also from new. So I get to swap LHD and RHD depending which one goes out!
LHD not a right pain for overtaking, but a mild one, that is easily overcomeable. If you have a dependable spotter in the passenger seat, that's a big help. But they need to know their driving and ultimately, when you pull out for the overtake, its down to you for that last minute decision to go / no go. If on your own, there is nothing wrong with pulling across the road for a look, as long as you are far enough behind the car in front. For reasons unknown, this sometimes really annoys oncoming drivers, but you are only moving over for a look, and if unsuitable, moving back in again. But you do get some very irate looking folk coming the other way!
Another overlooked issue is turning left at a swept T junction. Especially in the Challenger which has a C pillar the size of Texas. If you are coming up on the branch road to turn left on the main road, and position yourself at say 45 degrees to the stop lines due to the sweeping of the junction, you can see bu99er all coming from your right. So the technique is to approach the junction square on as if you are turning right, but keep as left as kerbs will allow with LH indicator on to try and stop anyone sneaking up your nearside. Then get a good look at whats coming from the right and execute the left turn. Again, confuses other drivers, who now think you are lost.... Fortunately, with the bulk of the Challenger, you can fairly readily block off any filtering to your left whilst you get a look to the right.
Otherwise, its no big deal really. We have the ferry check in booths here on the "wrong" side, but you just stop short, nip out and go round to the window to speak to the check in agent. Again, no big hardship. So don't let it put you off too much. After all, you are only sitting a couple of feet to the left of where you would normally be!
Totally concur with comments above - of course the other main benefit with driving an American LHD car, especially if a powerful muscle car is that when you do 'position' yourself for that overtake you generally have more than enough power to make that pass......and perhaps taking several vehicles in one go.........but there lies another potential issue..........be careful..... you don't want to be making that overtake going sideways......Anyway, good to hear you too have had a Monaro and are contemplating LHD. Both here - A 2004 MY Monaro CV8 that I have had since new, and a 2023 Challenger Redeye Jailbreak, also from new. So I get to swap LHD and RHD depending which one goes out!
LHD not a right pain for overtaking, but a mild one, that is easily overcomeable. If you have a dependable spotter in the passenger seat, that's a big help. But they need to know their driving and ultimately, when you pull out for the overtake, its down to you for that last minute decision to go / no go. If on your own, there is nothing wrong with pulling across the road for a look, as long as you are far enough behind the car in front. For reasons unknown, this sometimes really annoys oncoming drivers, but you are only moving over for a look, and if unsuitable, moving back in again. But you do get some very irate looking folk coming the other way!
Another overlooked issue is turning left at a swept T junction. Especially in the Challenger which has a C pillar the size of Texas. If you are coming up on the branch road to turn left on the main road, and position yourself at say 45 degrees to the stop lines due to the sweeping of the junction, you can see bu99er all coming from your right. So the technique is to approach the junction square on as if you are turning right, but keep as left as kerbs will allow with LH indicator on to try and stop anyone sneaking up your nearside. Then get a good look at whats coming from the right and execute the left turn. Again, confuses other drivers, who now think you are lost.... Fortunately, with the bulk of the Challenger, you can fairly readily block off any filtering to your left whilst you get a look to the right.
Otherwise, its no big deal really. We have the ferry check in booths here on the "wrong" side, but you just stop short, nip out and go round to the window to speak to the check in agent. Again, no big hardship. So don't let it put you off too much. After all, you are only sitting a couple of feet to the left of where you would normally be!
Emcojim said:
I've owned almost as many LHD cars as I have RHD over the years, mostly 60's muscle cars, no real problems with LHD.
Visibility from some modern American LHD cars, particularly the Challenger and Camaro, is not so good though, then it helps to have a passenger to help you especially turning left and pulling out onto roundabouts.
But we get used to it.
This. I have a gen 6 Camaro and my wife sitting in the passenger seat comes in handy when making some left hand turns! Visibility from some modern American LHD cars, particularly the Challenger and Camaro, is not so good though, then it helps to have a passenger to help you especially turning left and pulling out onto roundabouts.
But we get used to it.
Sixsixtysix said:
Emcojim said:
I've owned almost as many LHD cars as I have RHD over the years, mostly 60's muscle cars, no real problems with LHD.
Visibility from some modern American LHD cars, particularly the Challenger and Camaro, is not so good though, then it helps to have a passenger to help you especially turning left and pulling out onto roundabouts.
But we get used to it.
This. I have a gen 6 Camaro and my wife sitting in the passenger seat comes in handy when making some left hand turns! Visibility from some modern American LHD cars, particularly the Challenger and Camaro, is not so good though, then it helps to have a passenger to help you especially turning left and pulling out onto roundabouts.
But we get used to it.
had a lhd car since 1999 , perfectly doable , worst niggle for me is parked cars /buses stopping etc , you have to pull over near the kerb to let oncoming cars pass then cant or maybe cant see around to pull out when its clear , you learn to sit back more than a rhd , and can often see through the windows etc
its the small price you have to pay if you want something different
its the small price you have to pay if you want something different
The concept of this could be useful....
https://www.4kam.com/continental_cam_lhd_rhd_car_c...
but only if....
https://autoera.co.uk/product/krugozor/
https://www.4kam.com/continental_cam_lhd_rhd_car_c...
but only if....
- The camera had at least a 50mm lens, which that little bullet cam will never have. It will be something like 4mm and typical dashcam fisheye, so no use for seeing more than a few car lengths ahead....
- The camera could be mounted completely discreetly and near invisibly
- The camera could feed into an existing dash display screen, and could be switched in and out using a CANBUS mapped steering wheel button.
https://autoera.co.uk/product/krugozor/
Windy Miller said:
Another overlooked issue is turning left at a swept T junction. Especially in the Challenger which has a C pillar the size of Texas. If you are coming up on the branch road to turn left on the main road, and position yourself at say 45 degrees to the stop lines due to the sweeping of the junction, you can see bu99er all coming from your right. So the technique is to approach the junction square on as if you are turning right, but keep as left as kerbs will allow with LH indicator on to try and stop anyone sneaking up your nearside. Then get a good look at whats coming from the right and execute the left turn. Again, confuses other drivers, who now think you are lost.... Fortunately, with the bulk of the Challenger, you can fairly readily block off any filtering to your left whilst you get a look to the right.
Otherwise, its no big deal really. We have the ferry check in booths here on the "wrong" side, but you just stop short, nip out and go round to the window to speak to the check in agent. Again, no big hardship. So don't let it put you off too much. After all, you are only sitting a couple of feet to the left of where you would normally be!
agreed the Challenger can be a bit of a pain with the huge C pillar. I set the passenger mirror a little way out from looking down the side of the car and this helps. But you really do need to lean forward and look through the mirror when joining dual carriageways and motorways etc. Thankfully we are not lacking power if we go for an overtake Otherwise, its no big deal really. We have the ferry check in booths here on the "wrong" side, but you just stop short, nip out and go round to the window to speak to the check in agent. Again, no big hardship. So don't let it put you off too much. After all, you are only sitting a couple of feet to the left of where you would normally be!
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