German manufacturers have their own unusual features, for example, a steering wheel (with dubious ergonomics), which allows you to control the headlights and is located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel. In addition, Porsche is the only manufacturer the ignition key should be to the left of the steering wheel. We explain why!

Sheet 9 of 26: “I”

Designed for ignition. In almost every Porsche, the ignition switch is located in a unique place – on the left. pic.twitter.com/riBBLMKh1M

—Porsche (@Porsche) June 3, 2022

A story related to the contest?

The most common explanation you may hear about this is related to the story of Porsche at the competition. According to these rumours, the key position on the left dates back to the brand’s participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951. Then the drivers stood ready on the other side of the track, and when Dano started, he had to run to his car before going on the track.

Placing the key to the left of the steering wheel would therefore allow this to be done save a few precious seconds to the driver, allowing him to start the car with his left hand while manipulating the gear lever with his right hand. This story could be interesting for the brand image, but the real reason is completely different…

Valuable savings on the production of the Porsche 356 …

Indeed, the placement of the starter key to the left of the steering wheel dates back to the Porsche 356, which first entered the market in 1948, several years before Porsche entered the competition. The history of this model is closely related to the history of the Volkswagen Beetle and the Second World War. At the end of the conflict, raw materials were in short supply in Germany, as in Austria, where the 356 was developed, and any economy could be taken.

Howard Donald drives his nimble and glamorous 1953 Porsche 356 in the Fordwater Trophy! #GoodwoodRevival #ReviveAndThrive https://t.co/CoRCHujmMG

—Goodwood Revival (@goodwoodrevival) August 27, 2022

… for a few centimeters of electrical wiring!

This is how Ferdinand Porsche decided to place the ignition key to the left of the steering wheel to save a few centimeters of electrical wiring, and therefore reduce production costs. If today, more than 70 years later, Porsche still uses this feature to distinguish itself from other brands, the origin of this brand was purely economic!

You can check here, in the manufacturer’s catalog.