Introduction
The placement of the ignition switch on the left side of the steering wheel in Porsche vehicles has long been a topic of intrigue among automotive enthusiasts. An article published by the Wall Street Journal on March 29, 2019, sheds light on the origins of this design choice, debunking the popular myth that it was primarily intended to provide a competitive edge in the pre-1970 Le Mans races. Instead, the decision to position the ignition on the left stemmed from practical considerations during the postwar era in Germany, which Porsche has maintained out of tradition over the years.
Myth of the Le Mans Start
The narrative that the left-side ignition facilitated quicker starts during the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans is largely unfounded. In the early years of the race, drivers would sprint to their cars, start them, and take off at the sound of a flag. It was believed that having the ignition on the left allowed drivers to shift gears with their right hand while turning the key with their left, thus saving precious seconds. However, this practice was abandoned after a couple of incidents: one in 1968 involving driver Willy Mairesse and another in 1969 when Jacky Ickx famously delayed his start, only to win the race despite being less secured in his vehicle. By 1970, the race format had transitioned to a rolling start, rendering the key placement irrelevant.
Historical Context of Ignition Placement
When examining the interiors of Porsche's pre-1970 Le Mans cars, it becomes clear that the ignition switch was not consistently located on the left side of the wheel. Out of the eleven models analyzed, seven had the ignition switch on the same side as the gear lever, while others, including the 917 and 911, featured the ignition on the opposite side. In fact, many successful Porsche models, such as the 356 SL, 550, and 718, had their ignitions positioned on the right side, contradicting the idea that left-side placement was a strategic advantage.
Inconsistencies in Design
Porsche has exhibited inconsistency in the placement of ignition switches across its road cars as well. For instance, the 928 and 944 models featured ignitions on the right side, similar to their gear levers. This inconsistency raises questions about the rationale behind the longstanding tradition of left-side ignition placement. According to Klaus Bischof, the curator of the Porsche Museum, the initial decision to place the ignition on the left in the 1948 Porsche 356-001 was primarily driven by the need to conserve wire during a time of limited resources, rather than for racing advantages.
Conclusion
In summary, the left-side ignition placement in Porsche vehicles is rooted more in historical necessity than in competitive strategy. While the narrative surrounding its significance in racing has persisted, it has become increasingly clear that performance was not the driving factor behind this design choice. As Porsche faces financial challenges and prepares to withdraw from the World Endurance Championship, the legacy of its innovative designs continues to be a mix of practicality and tradition. This story reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, where historical narratives can often overshadow the practical realities of design decisions.