On March 29, 2019, readers of the Wall Street Journal discovered an intriguing article titled “The Real Reason Porsche Ignitions Are Left of the Wheel.” This piece revealed a surprising twist: the popular idea that placing ignition switches to the left improved race performance in pre-1970 Le Mans was just a myth. In fact, the decision was rooted in practicality. After World War II, resources in Germany were scarce, and Porsche designed its early 356 models to conserve wiring. The left-side ignition became a matter of tradition as much as necessity.
Before 1970, during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, drivers would sprint across the track to their cars. The belief was that having the key on the left allowed drivers to quickly start their engines while shifting gears with their right hand. However, accidents in 1968 and 1969, including one involving the famous driver Jacky Ickx, led to a shift in starting procedures. By 1970, seated starts became the norm, making the positioning much less critical.
So, did most pre-1970 Porsche racing cars actually have ignition keys positioned to the left? Surprisingly, not really. Though many road-going Porsches featured left-side keys, several of the Le Mans cars, such as the iconic 917, had them on the right. This inconsistency has sparked debates among car enthusiasts and historians alike. Just take a look at Porsche’s racing lineup from that era. Here’s a quick peek at some key models:
- 356 SL Gmünd Coupe: same side
- 550s: same side
- 917s: opposite side
While seven out of eleven cars had keys on the same side as the shifter, notable exceptions like the 911 consistently featured opposite placements. This variation shows how Porsche adapted over time.
Porsche has often been celebrated not just for performance but for its clever engineering. The company itself stated in a manual that the left ignition placement was a strategic advantage due to the unique sprint start. However, in many early models, like the 356 and 550, the key was actually on the right. Remarkably, these cars still dominated races during the 1950s, showing that driver skill and car design trumped ignition placement. In 1955, for example, Porsche’s 550s swept the podium in the 1,500cc class at Le Mans, even with their keys on the “wrong” side.
The first Porsche to feature a left-side ignition in a race context was the 907 in 1967, which easily won its class. But this wasn’t a defining factor in its victory, as other models also performed well. Over the years, even road cars like the 928 and 944 featured keys on the right, showcasing Porsche’s shifting design philosophies throughout its history.
Interestingly, Klaus Bischof, a former curator at the Porsche Museum, remarked back in 2008 that the left-side ignition was primarily a measure to save wire. As it turned out, 200 grams of wire meant something significant in the early days of Porsche, operating from a small facility in Austria.
As Porsche steps back from the World Endurance Championship due to financial issues, the historical context of its design choices becomes even more poignant. The automotive world has evolved dramatically, shifting focus from survival and practicality to technology and performance. The story of Porsche’s ignition switch, a tale of efficiency and adaptation, reflects a greater narrative about the challenges and triumphs of the automotive industry.
For a deeper dive into Porsche’s history and engineering decisions, you can check out more resources like Porsche’s official site for their insights and updates.
