Who came first, RHD or LHD Esprit ?

[Kim.com]

I have two 1988 Esprit, one RHD and one LHD. When I sat in the driver's seat at both of them, I noticed that the steering wheel of RHD is slightly tilted to the right and LHD is more straight. Could this be a sign of the LHD is designed first and the RHD is a modification?

 

 

[Kimbers]

Good question Kim, I'll ask MJK.

[Kimbers]

The right hand drive was the first and there was an issue with placement of the foot controls that left not enough room for the steering column, hence it being slightly offset. This was sorted by the time the left hand drive came out, but at the time Lotus didn't have enough money to totally redesign the RHD.

 

Dad says if you could get the exact dimensions you will find nearly 2 inches of extra room in the left hand drive footwell. Doesn't sound like a lot but enough to fit everything in with a better fit.

[Kim.com]

Thanks Kimbers, good answer!

 

Nice to have the source of information almost online..

Feel sorry for all the RHD drivers if this apply to all models from 1975 to 2004.

 

/Kim.com

[Zolder]

Feel sorry for all the RHD drivers if this apply to all models from 1975 to 2004.

 

/Kim.com

You'll never miss what you've never had!

[Advantage]

It must have been a blessing for the USA drivers. Not that I'm insinuating anything to do with hamburgers, you understand...

[Jacques]

I've sat in both Kims Esprits, and the difference is huge.

 

Cheers,

Jacques.