im looking at buying one but really want a rhd there is one on ebay what would you recommend, left or right hand drive model thanks
General rhd barchetta
- Thread starter gus6
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General rhd barchetta
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The general consensus is that RHD converted Barchettas can be extremely dangerous as the strengthening beams need to be modified in order to swap the driving position.
I would really try and avoid a RHD Barchetta. They are very small cars though, so LHD doesn't really pose a problem.
I would really try and avoid a RHD Barchetta. They are very small cars though, so LHD doesn't really pose a problem.
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Definitely not a RHD!
Go for LHD, you don't want to add more problems to the list...
Go for LHD, you don't want to add more problems to the list...
Having almost been side-swiped because I didn't see a lorry, I considered a RHD conversion when I decided to reacquire my original car. I decided against it because of the reasons above and because I like mark II best and it would take a lot of money to update an older model already converted. I suspect you would be fine with a LHD once you get used to it. If you do buy one, try and get one converted from a reputable shop. I think DTR did six. If you do consider buying one, get an expert to inspect it before parting with any cash. Good luck and let us know what you decide!
I don't know anything about RHD Barchettas but I do know that you shouldnt give up on the idea of LHD without driving a car for an hour or so. You will never get used to the position of the car on the road, changing gear with your right hand, reduced visibility to the offside at slips etc. after a short test run but, once you do master these, and it doesn't take forever, the LHD makes driving even more fun. Hope you buy a Barchetta anyway though. All the best.
Steve
Steve
Agree with above, it's a major structre change that this car was not designed for, loads of changes have to be made, dash to electrics to things that keep the car on the road.
I would not touch it at all. You will also have to declare this to your insurance company, with out proof of work carried out you may find your not covered in an accident. If something fails causing you to crash relating to the conversion you are on dodgy ground.
It's like a sex change, you can have the best people in the world do the work but something is not quite right!
I would not touch it at all. You will also have to declare this to your insurance company, with out proof of work carried out you may find your not covered in an accident. If something fails causing you to crash relating to the conversion you are on dodgy ground.
It's like a sex change, you can have the best people in the world do the work but something is not quite right!
Rustbucket
Established member
Takes about an hour to get used to it
Don't go near a RHD B. Our friends in Mortlake did 6 and gave up because the cost of a decent conversion: transverse beams and steering rack wasn't worth the cost. I looked at one here that somebody did...manky job inside and very awkward with the centre console tilted away. Insurers weren't keen either.
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:d
Just to add my endorsement to all the comments so far. Being LHD adds to the joy of ownership; people comment and it just makes it more special and different to run-of-the-mill offerings. As the others are saying, you get used to it in no time. I regularly hop from RHD cars to the B and I hardly even notice!
Elefante volante
New member
I must admit that driving the B in Britain (Japan and a few other countries) can be a pain on country roads as you are lower to the ground and that means even smaller roadside objects cause blind spots, and the hoods main fabric side panel also creates a blind spot. But when the roof's down a quick glance is easy! I find myself using the mirrors much more and giving as much distance as is safe when overtaking
