Thoughts on LHD to RHD conversion?

[TDK]

I'm currently searching for a RHD 356 A or T5B for a full bare metal restoration. However, it's proving to be a difficult search given the relatively low numbers of RHD cars ever produced and finding a suitable candidate for restoration at the right price.

I've found a couple of suitable cars, but they're both LHD so I've been considering a RHD conversion during the restoration.

My main concern isn't the additional cost (£1000-2000), but the potential re-sale if at some point in the future I did want to sell the car. The documentation would obviously say it was originally a LHD car, so that might put off a serious collector?

Given that I'm considering a concours restoration, what are people's opinions on a LHD to RHD conversion?

Simon.

[pmjt]

Given that I'm considering a concours restoration, what are people's opinions on a LHD to RHD conversion?

A couple of people on here have either done this with 911's or owned 911's which have been converted.

My view is that they will always be worth substantially less than if left LHD.

What's you're reason for wanting RHD? You're right, there are very few RHD out there as barn finds these days - even the most bastkety of basket cases has been resurrected.

Having had several LHD over the years they're no real problem on UK roads - with an A you're speeds aren't going to be at massive overtaking velocity - and it's only really on overtaking that you benefit (although not that much) from the RHD.

Try a leftie and you might be pleasantly surprised.

A well restored car, brought back to it's original spec will always command more than one that's been modified, whether left or right - and never truer than with LHD to RHD conversion.

Philip

[58A - 71E]

Given what you've described I'd stick with a LHD. If you do sell, the market will be far greater. Price wise it has hit 911s that have been done.
DDK'r John Fletcher is finishing a conversion of an A from L to R, he'd be able to advise what's involved.

[Hendrik Moulds]

Not only will the resale be lower than a genuine RHD, the market is far smaller making it even more difficult to sell. Add to this the difficulty and additional expense in finding the RHD parts and I would say don't bother unless you REALLY want to.
Converting a LHD car won't be a cheap way of getting a RHD car either. Good luck with the restoration.

[the jester]

im considering the same conversion, but unsure weather to proceed or just stick with LHD

i have a rhd dash and pedals i might be willing to part with if your determined

[Matt black70]

I think you should try driving a left hooker for a while before deciding to convert to RHD. When I drive my left hooker I feel it just adds to the experience of driving something a little different. Having driven it for many years I wouldn't even think twice about having a LHD for an everyday car.
Just my opinion

Matt

[higs356]

So ...Are you doing it for you or for resale

Remember ...unlike the 911 ...most of the factory RHD 356 chassis setups were converted to RHD in the factory (ie it was an option)...so not that much of a change.

For the A coupes its not a major piece of work to convert it to Right or back to Left.

I've driven both . It depends on where you will drive it.
I wouldnt like to have to drive one in a LHD country ...equally the same for a LHD one in a RHD country. .. but thats me

Find one of each and ask someone to let you drive them ...then decide.

[roy mawbey]

Ask John Fletcher if you are going to keep the car and not sell it on in a year or so. There is more to it than just the mechanicals. The dash on "A"'s are actually spot welded on not a bolt up thing like the pre A.
However they are easy according to John to remove but he still had work to do on the dash after fitting a spare RHD B one he had.

I think, those above who say converted cars might not bring the same resale value are probably correct but a lot of people interested in a 356 might be more interested in looking at a RHD one over here than risking their money on LHD. If its done professionaly then why not? After all, 356 LHD drive cars have probably no real UK history going back to the original build anyway but RHD driving must make it easier long term on our busy roads.

If it were me, I would prefer engine matching numbers that for some reason is important to me, a change of the wheel to other side just makes sense, if you can do it!

Roy

[TDK]

Thanks for all the replies, I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to continue the search for a RHD car.

I've been speaking to Roger Bray at Bray Restorations about restoring a car for me, so I know what is involved with a RHD conversion. The car will be for me, but I would like it to retain it's value as - even though I have no immediate intention of selling - I may wish to sell it on in the future.

So, with that in mind, I've found a RHD 1961 T5B Super 90 that's just finishing restoration and will be going to take a look at that in a couple of weeks time once it's back from the trimmers. I'm not yet 100% certain it's the car for me, so if anyone knows of a RHD A or T5B in need of restoration that they'd be willing to part with, please let me know!

Thanks...Simon.

[356A]

I have a 356B for sale.Genuine RHD, UK car, history back to AFN (1964) ,its in full classic rally spec,stripped out interior,half cage halda trip master & speed pilot ,full harness,FIA papers,race seats & original seats( like new condition).Fully re-wired,Barry curtis engine .solid body. the door bottom let the car down i had a quote of £2500 to weld the doors properly take out any dings and a quality repaint .i dont know if i should get it done or just sell it cheaper? It is a great car it could do the lot be restored back to original as the interior would be re done anyway,outlaw,fast road car,race car or just keep as is & go rally.I drove it 500miles in the last week no problems taxed/mot 1 year. note no under seal anywhere engine bay,trunk area,underside,inside all painted so no hidden surprises! looking for £30k as is, about the price of a fiberglass kit! tom 07773516105