LHD to RHD conversion. Is it possible? | FerrariChat
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LHD to RHD conversion. Is it possible?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by acehole, Mar 21, 2005.

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  1. acehole

    acehole Formula Junior

    Dec 14, 2004
    590
    Sydney, Australia
    Full Name:
    Axel
    #1 acehole, Mar 21, 2005
    Hi Guys,

    I was just wondering if its possible to do LHD to RHD conversions on ferraris. I mean, would a restoration shop be able to do it using parts standard RHD factory parts (such as the dashboard, pedals, etc)??

    If this is indeed possible, does anyone know of it being done or how much it could potentially cost?

    The reason I ask is because I have a good opurtunity to get access to a good range of Fcars (a 360 and 550) in europe to import into AUS, and we drive RHD here so that eliminates all posibilites of shipping cars from overseas. :(

    Fcars here are also so expensive. A used 2000 360 can fetch $350k+

    Anyway thanks in advance for any advice.
     
  2. greg246

    greg246 Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jun 2, 2004
    26,591
    #2 greg246, Mar 21, 2005
    Better do you maths again. 360 prices in Oz are dropping rapidly and a 2000 model is under 300k now. You will end up with a worthless dog of a car if you try a conversion. Sure it can be done but you are kidding yourself if you think you will make a huge saving.
     
  3. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,855
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    #3 FasterIsBetter, Mar 21, 2005
    When it comes to cars, anything can be done, if you are willing to pay whatever it costs. And believe me, it will COST.
     
  4. Kevallino

    Kevallino Formula 3

    Feb 10, 2004
    2,257
    Mid-Ohio
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    #4 Kevallino, Mar 21, 2005
    I agree with greg - you have to run the numbers and they aren't really pretty for late model vehicles due to import tariffs and sales tax. Then for under 15 years old its not just about LHD to RHD - you have to be fully ADR compliant. Only certain shops have the licenses to do that work and fit a compliance plate, assuming the car has been put on a list that allows them to be imported and complianced in the first place. Then when you are all finished you will have a car that will usually sell at a healthy discount to an Australian delivered car. I know the Porsche 911 people do it but there are plenty of hack jobs out there.

    Frankly I still think it is a government ripoff but those are the rules at the moment.

    Having said all of that, at least vehicles that were manufactured in both LHD and RHD have steering racks and other bits available, and a mid engine car might be easier to covert than a front engine car.

    Cheers
    Kevin
     
  5. acehole

    acehole Formula Junior

    Dec 14, 2004
    590
    Sydney, Australia
    Full Name:
    Axel
    #5 acehole, Mar 21, 2005
    Thanks for the advice, I just checked the prices on the 2000 360's and you are correct they are just under 300k.

    I wont be going down this path of conversion because Id rather pay extra and not have some dodgy job done.

    Its also just frustrating seeing as australia has some of the stupidest import laws on the planet regarding all this stuff.

    cheers
     

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