[yeehaw]

Hi all,

This is my 2019 Camaro 2SS in RHD.



Unlike the USA, we don't get any options - Just 1 trim package (2SS) but I can't complain!

I just love this car!

The "Re-Engineering process" to convert LHD to RHD is done via close collaboration with GM and HSV Australia and takes about 100 - 110 hours.

Really interesting stuff here -

[IAI80]

Great looking car and you get to drive it in New Zealand. I can’t help being jealous.

Fascinating video. I had no idea how that was done and how complex it is. Quite a highly competent crew getting the job done. Thanks for posting.

Cheers.

[dmcmahan60]

Welcome aboard!

[Camaro_QC]

We need pictures of the interior!!

[MiamiBlueCamaro]

.

[Aragorn]

Congrats!!

[chevybill]

How big of a problem would it be to drive LHD cars in Australia?
In the USA, we have RHD vehicles for the postal delivery service.

It's a very impressive and involved process for the conversion.

[DIYguy]

How big of a problem would it be to drive LHD cars in Australia?
In the USA, we have RHD vehicles for the postal delivery service.

I'm not sure if could be an insurance issue, a regulatory issue, a convenience issue, or indeed any issue at all (in New Zealand or Australia).
Perhaps the OP can elaborate on that (welcome, by the way!).
There are YouTube videos of people driving LHD Camaros in England so they get away with it there somehow.

I know that driving an RHD vehicle in the USA can increase your insurance costs and may cause problems if importing a vehicle.
The USPS doesn't care about any of that of course, and the benefits of being able to reach out to post boxes outweigh any downsides.

Love the video. That's fascinating.

[2SSRedline]

I recall a post here that said RHD was mandatory in Australia/New Zealand, but was not in the UK. I hope the OP clarifies.

[kropscamaro16]

Since most LHD vehicles are imported they also must meet the standards for imported vehicle registration in NSW. In Western Australia vehicles of less than 4.5 tonnes that are at least 15 years old may be registered despite being LHD. These vehicles must meet certain standards and are licensed for personal use only.


california has same rules with most rhd jdm vehicles R32 and R33 are legal and R34 will be legal in a year or two cant wait to see more on the streets!

[GroundhogSS]

Very cool video, and welcome to Camaro6. Enjoy your car.

[Hazzy]

Hi
To clarify here in UK at least we have relaxed rules. We can drive left hand drive cars no problem of any age... new or old. Insurance can often be cheaper too (left hand drive cars tend to be owned by enthusiasts and so the insurance claim risk is low)
OK. It probably makes sense to allow left hand drive cars here because we are so close to continental Europe (where cars are also left hand drive). We get a lot of left hand drive tourist cars visiting from Europe and vice versa when UK cars visit Europe. Its not a big deal and cant say it causes any problems.

My Camaro is left hand drive and whilst right hand conversions are available most owners here in UK would avoid them. Conversion often involve compromises and work arounds and its hard to see coming out better than original. Considering a conversion here in UK is not GM approved process and can cost $7500 or more its just not appealing.

To be fair though if in Australia and New Zealand its a conversion by a joint venture between GM and HSV you would like to think its first class job.
In fact the video shows just how thorough they are. Impressive. Great to hear it can be done.

Thats a really cool car to have in New Zealand. Enjoy the ride

[yeehaw]

Thanks guys!

I'll post pics of interior soon.

Regarding LHD cars in NZ, I'll try my best to respond to your queries:

Legality:

It is legal to drive LHD cars in NZ, However you need a LHD permit.

As per the LHD Permit Application:

• A maximum of 500 Category A left-hand drive vehicle permits will be granted in any one year.

• The vehicle’s make, model and submodel has never been manufactured in right-hand
  drive form

• The vehicle is and was manufactured as a two-door coupe or convertible

• The vehicle is and was manufactured as a high performance vehicle

Safety:

The biggest safety risk is overtaking cars on a single carriageway or undivided highway. This can be mitigated to some extent by keep a good distance from the vehicle in front.

Costs:

When I was shopping around for insurance quotes with the top insurance providers, they wouldn't consider LHD cars. Some did with steep premiums and tiered pricing on mileage i.e You would need to specify how many miles/Kms you expect to do in a year and your premiums would be based on that.

Then there are specialist insurance companies for LHD vehicles but the premiums are steep and the claim excess fees are around 3 times of standard costs for a similar priced RHD vehicle.

So in my opinion, if it's a weekend car it'll be ok but as a daily driver you'll be paying a hefty premium for the privilege.

Daily Driving:

Apart from the cost issues above, the challenges of daily driving a LHD car in NZ would be accessing parking/ticketing stations. Although you can jump out, run around the car to grab your ticket and hop back in, other drivers will find that quite amusing!

Same goes for drive-throughs etc where everything is designed for RHD cars.

So yea not a show stopper but the novelty will start wearing off soon!

[craigss50]

Nice car and great video. I enjoyed watching the process.