Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi there, I haven't had my roadster too long and my son asked why the ignition switch is on the left and turn signal arm is in the right. I told him that I wasn't sure, probably for racing.

Mr. Google found nothing on this. What is the actual reason for this was set up?

Thanks!
J-

So there are lots of things going on with the ignition and turn signal placement throughout the model years.

Before any of that, my hunch is that it begins with the JDM (home market). Look at the '67.5 low windshield (RHD) cars and note right-side turn signal AND right-side ignition on the column. MAYBE this was the original design with intention of keeping the driver's left hand only occupied with the gear shift?


No, it starts getting me confused.
On LHD '67.5 cars the ignition is still on the right side, but the turn signal is now on the left side!


High windshield LHD cars had the ignition on the left side with turn signal on the right:

High windshield RHD cars had the ignition on the right side with turn signal on the left:



Going back, pre-67.5 LHD cars had the ignition on the left side and turn signal also on the left side:

While pre-67.5 RHD cars had the ignition on the right side and turn signal on the right side:

A common bond with Porsche that has their ignition on the left. Porsche placed it there initially for racing purposes where drivers would hop into the car.

The reason Porsche put the ignition opposite the shifter was for the 24 hours of LeMans race. The race would be a standing start with drivers running to the cars jumping in starting the car and start racing. This was done until the mid 60’s when they switched to standing start engine off. So Porsche has always wanted their drivers to have an advantage of being able to start and select a gear simultaneously.

TLDR: because racecar

david premo wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2020 8:16 am So Porsche has always wanted their drivers to have an advantage of being able to start and select a gear simultaneously.

So, taking this idea and applying it our cars...the only model that doesn't follow this is the LHD '67 half-year models?!

I've never really noticed before but are they in a particular place in other cars in the UK or Australia or other "other side" nations?

david premo wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2020 8:16 am The reason Porsche put the ignition opposite the shifter was for the 24 hours of LeMans race. The race would be a standing start with drivers running to the cars jumping in starting the car and start racing. This was done until the mid 60’s when they switched to standing start engine off. So Porsche has always wanted their drivers to have an advantage of being able to start and select a gear simultaneously.

Indeed... however it's a feature carried through til today. All Porsche's still have the key on the left. I can see a shop full of them right now.

Don’t forget Saab. They couldn’t decide, so they put it between the seats!

Saab did it for a manual transmission cars that would not let remove the key until the car was put in reverse for safety reasons. The thinking was if the parking brake failed reverse is the lowest ratio gear in the transmission and the car likely would roll away.