Converting a RHD to a LHD
Discussion
Yes, it will cost circa £4k to convert a Chim and £6k for a Cerb. There's less space in the footwell of a LHD TVR than a RHD TVR. All the Forces customers and a lot of ex-pat customers drive RHD cars in mainland Europe; and a lot of people drive LHD Porsches/Ferraris in this Country. So why not save money, buy a RHD car and use it over there? If you don't like it, you can always sell it back here.............
I wouldn't bother, have spoke to several owners in the past who had their TVR's converted to LHD and have had no end of grief since.
Changing the steering column over requires some engine shuffles, the dash being rebuilt completely (very expensive if yours is all leather)and a lot of rewiring.
The footwells need to be rebuilt too! Battery moved (of course) and, in one converted car, the gear lever and handbrake swapped over - not sure what is required here?! Sounds painful whatever it is!
I was thinking of having my TVR converted a while beack before I move to Italy - before I got the TIV's I always had LHD drives as I was always driving into Europe - my experience with driving one in the UK is that there is no real difference apart from overtaking! Which can be daunting!
Having driving the TIV's in Europe, same applies. Overtaking can be daunting, but apart from that not much difference really.
The conversion issues are the same for all the classic Alfa Spiders (all manufactured as LHD) - converted to RHD in the UK - always steer clear from the RHD converted ones! Big pain in the rear!
If you have your heart set on a conversion, any Alfa Romeo Specialist will do it, most likely they will have specialised in it before and know what to do/dont' do! Not sure many TVR garages have ever done any! Would be surprised if they had!
Changing the steering column over requires some engine shuffles, the dash being rebuilt completely (very expensive if yours is all leather)and a lot of rewiring.
The footwells need to be rebuilt too! Battery moved (of course) and, in one converted car, the gear lever and handbrake swapped over - not sure what is required here?! Sounds painful whatever it is!
I was thinking of having my TVR converted a while beack before I move to Italy - before I got the TIV's I always had LHD drives as I was always driving into Europe - my experience with driving one in the UK is that there is no real difference apart from overtaking! Which can be daunting!
Having driving the TIV's in Europe, same applies. Overtaking can be daunting, but apart from that not much difference really.
The conversion issues are the same for all the classic Alfa Spiders (all manufactured as LHD) - converted to RHD in the UK - always steer clear from the RHD converted ones! Big pain in the rear!
If you have your heart set on a conversion, any Alfa Romeo Specialist will do it, most likely they will have specialised in it before and know what to do/dont' do! Not sure many TVR garages have ever done any! Would be surprised if they had!
Hi folks,
I am the happy owner of a LHD cerb 4.5 in France, the conversion was made by the swiss importer, but it costed 18000 euros for it wich makes the beast high price. I bought mine a few days ago and driving the right way does make a big diference with this kind of car (I overtake a LOT ). The most important is the color, as you surely know, even in France yellows are faster
I am lokking for a LHD chim not too expansive ( around 20000 euros).
May be someone could help !
Nick
>> Edited by Zorglub on Wednesday 23 February 21:41
I am the happy owner of a LHD cerb 4.5 in France, the conversion was made by the swiss importer, but it costed 18000 euros for it wich makes the beast high price. I bought mine a few days ago and driving the right way does make a big diference with this kind of car (I overtake a LOT ). The most important is the color, as you surely know, even in France yellows are faster
I am lokking for a LHD chim not too expansive ( around 20000 euros).
May be someone could help !
Nick
>> Edited by Zorglub on Wednesday 23 February 21:41
Roel,
My advice is try a RHD first, then make up your mind. I know a lot of people here in the Netherlands driving RHD cars with no problems and they have quickly adapted to the driving position.
I am living here in the Netherlands and have a RHD Chimaera which I use every day. On a daily basis driving a RHD car is not really an issue, apart from sometimes getting stuck behind a truck or bus. But, driving a TVR means when you get the chance, overtaking is never an issue.
You can definately convert a RHD to LHD, but is it really worth the cost of doing so? Most people buy RHD to save money or for more choice.
If you would like more information, please let me know.
Andrew
My advice is try a RHD first, then make up your mind. I know a lot of people here in the Netherlands driving RHD cars with no problems and they have quickly adapted to the driving position.
I am living here in the Netherlands and have a RHD Chimaera which I use every day. On a daily basis driving a RHD car is not really an issue, apart from sometimes getting stuck behind a truck or bus. But, driving a TVR means when you get the chance, overtaking is never an issue.
You can definately convert a RHD to LHD, but is it really worth the cost of doing so? Most people buy RHD to save money or for more choice.
If you would like more information, please let me know.
Andrew
5000 miles in europe and it works for me. Just don't tell the Gendarmes 
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