The problem with performance cars originating from the U.S. is that most of them don’t come in right-hand drive versions, alienating fans from countries that drive on the wrong other side of the road.
However, there is a solution, at least for some of the desirable models that are available only with the steering on the left side, as Clive Sutton, one of London’s leading luxury car dealers, has announced a new range of bespoke right-hand-drive conversions.
The company is working with one of the leading Australian-owned specialists in Asia in order to produce factory standards of fit and finish for selected models. The conversions cover a wide range of models, from muscle cars to pickup trucks and huge, luxurious SUVs and can be ordered from both domestic and international clients.
The Sutton Bespoke conversions use precision-sculpted moldings of interior components before the specialist personnel use both traditional and modern techniques to ‘mirror’ the dashboard and move the steering assembly on the opposite side of the interior. Most elements of the interior trim are handcrafted but the company also uses 3D printing to re-manufacture certain parts.
The list of cars that can be converted to RHD includes vehicles like the Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab pickup truck or the Cadillac Escalade. The price for a conversion of this caliber and quality though is pretty significant: if you want your Dodge Ram with the steering wheel on the right, the price for the conversion starts from £26,400 ($34k in current exchange rates) while the same conversion for an Escalade costs from £36,000 ($47k).
The company also offer similar solutions for the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and the 2010-2015 Chevrolet Camaro, a popular choice with UK customers, with the RHD conversion cost starting from £32,400 ($42k). The company is also developing a kit for the latest Camaro too.
Clive Sutton also offers the same service for the latest Corvette. In this case, the conversion involves a meticulous strip-down process to remove the body from the car before it is built up again. Perhaps this is why the company is asking from £54,000 ($70k) for this job.
They can even source a base vehicle if you want them to with clients given the chance to choose from upgrade packages and specialist customization options in order to create a true tailor-made vehicle.
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