Why aren't Irish/UK Maybachs & Phantoms LHD?

Anan1

It was quite common in Europe in the past for luxury cars to be RHD on the basis that it would make it easier for the chauffeur to get in and out to open the door for his passengers. I'd imagine there are far fewer people with drivers than there were in the 30s, but wouldn't the idea still make sense? Or do the wealthy open their own doors nowadays?

stealthyspeeder

Both my Phantoms are RHD, Im just traditional in that way.

EPM

If you wanted that I'd presume you could get a special order. Surely there's no differnce between an Irish car and a European one in LHD given that you'll be delving into the options list anyway

peasant

My vehicle is LHD ...all I'm lacking is the chauffeur

bi

who cares

Saab Ed

Funny you brought this up because I've always said that's one of the great things about my chopper , you can fly it from either side handy that.

-Chris-

bi wrote: »

who cares

With all due respect, if that's all you're bringing to the conversation, you're better off keeping it to yourself.

Anan1

bi wrote: »

who cares

I find it a little more interesting than ISOFIX on a C180. Each to their own, I suppose.

L-M

If you can afford a RR or the likes, I think the least of your worries is making it easier for the chauffeur :P

EPM

Anan1 wrote: »

I find it a little more interesting than ISOFIX on a C180. Each to their own, I suppose.

LOL:D

Anan1

Limerick man wrote: »

If you can afford a RR or the likes, I think the least of your worries is making it easier for the chauffeur :P

My thinking exactly. LHD would be harder for my chauffeur to drive, but my door would be opened more quickly when we get there.

peasant

Anan1 wrote: »

My thinking exactly. LHD would be harder for my chauffeur to drive, but my door would be opened more quickly when we get there.

... and do the hotel porter out of a job in the process?

You imperialist, capitalist swine !!

Anan1

peasant wrote: »

You imperialist, capitalist swine !!

If I heard that through the double-glazing I would take it as a compliment from the peasant.

Anan1

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Some people that own these cars actually enjoy driving them so its handy for them to be in RHD format.

I would have thought driving one of those cars yourself would be a bit like using tiptronic on an autobox - you do it a few times, the novelty wears off, and that's the end of that.

bi

Anan1 wrote: »

I find it a little more interesting than ISOFIX on a C180. Each to their own, I suppose.

Are you looking for a LHD RR or Maybach ???

Anan1

bi wrote: »

Are you looking for a LHD RR or Maybach ???

This may be a new concept for you, but some of us here are interested in cars. We talk about them, ask questions about and discuss the merits of various makes & models, that sort of thing. If that's not your thing then why are you here?

L-M

Anan1 wrote: »

This may be a new concept for you, but some of us here are interested in cars. We talk about them, ask questions about and discuss the merits of various makes & models, that sort of thing. If that's not your thing then why are you here?

Tis a pity that the only threads on Motors that actually carry on are those in which people are fighting and bickering about this that and the other. We need an enthusiast forum :cool:

Anan1

Limerick man wrote: »

Tis a pity that the only threads on Motors that actually carry on are those in which people are fighting and bickering about this that and the other. We need an enthusiast forum :cool:

Enthusiasts always argue, it's only natural when you feel passionately about something.:)

-Chris-

Anan1 wrote: »

My thinking exactly. LHD would be harder for my chauffeur to drive, but my door would be opened more quickly when we get there.

After careful consideration of all the opinions put forth in this thread, I've come to the opinion that Maybachs should be supplied with two steering wheels in the front cabin.
This is so that the owner-driver can drive a RHD vehicle, but won't be subjected to an interminable 5 second wait for their door to be opened when they're being chauffeured.

I don't think that's an unreasonable request for a "money no object" kind of car.


If that kind of engineering does prove to be prohibitively expensive (that would certainly be a very disappointing development, but these are the times we live in...), Maybach should move to a central steering wheel & bench seat arrangement. - this will make either side of the car equidistant from, and equally accessible for, the driver.


I am in the process of drafting a strongly worded letter to this effect, and will be sure to call on the support of you fine denizens of the internet when the time comes to put together a petition.

Yours sincerely,

Lord Chris of Audi

Graham_B18C

^^Sounds like a plan!

peasant

I'd be very surprised if there wasn't an automatic passenger door opener on the Mybach options list ...ffs every Passat these days has an automatic boot-closer.

Anan1

AudiChris wrote: »

After careful consideration of all the opinions put forth in this thread, I've come to the opinion that Maybachs should be supplied with two steering wheels in the front cabin.
This is so that the owner-driver can drive a RHD vehicle, but won't be subjected to an interminable 5 second wait for their door to be opened when they're being chauffeured.

I don't think that's an unreasonable request for a "money no object" kind of car.

Interesting. To my mind, however, your idea involves an aesthetic compromise which could easily be circumvented by the purchase of a second car.

L-M

peasant wrote: »

I'd be very surprised if there wasn't an automatic passenger door opener on the Mybach options list ...ffs every Passat these days has an automatic boot-closer.

Aye, pity they don't do the boot opening bit too well :P

L-M

Anan1 wrote: »

Interesting. To my mind, however, your idea involves an aesthetic compromise which could easily be circumvented by the purchase of a second car.

They could have a removable steering wheels, that is covered by something fancy.

-Chris-

Anan1 wrote: »

Interesting. To my mind, however, your idea involves an aesthetic compromise which could easily be circumvented by the purchase of a second car.

So two Maybachs on the fleet - one for the owner to drive themselves in and the other to be driven in?

Sounds like a plan.

Upgrade me to Sheikh Chris Mohammed al Audi, and you've got yourself a deal!

RobAMerc

Don't you have your butler ride shotgun for this exact reason ?
He's also useful to bring along should I require a chicken liver pate sandwich and glass of Chablis in a rush while traveling.

L-M

RobAMerc wrote: »

Don't you have your butler ride shotgun for this exact reason ?
He's also useful to bring along should I require a chicken liver pate sandwich and glass of Chablis in a rush while traveling.

I like your thinking

Guy:Incognito

An exhaustative study was done on mainland Europe and they have now switched to using LHD, so we're sticking with RHD. The problem is chauffeurs were developing taxi drivers arse fromt all the sitting down and lack of movement, so the approved method now is to have a LHD car and the driver must go the long way round to letting you out.


The extra time for you is used to zip your fly and put a coat over the 18 year old blonde (brunnette optional extra) before the world gets a peak in through the open door.

Terrontress

if a Phantom was lhd, there were three passengers plus the chauffeur then the front seat passenger would have to get out in to the traffic instead of onto the pavement.

Gatster

I'll be stumping for the Phantom on Saturday following my €millions win tomorrow night, purely for fiscal reason you understand :eek: