Ford built all RS500s as RHD for road use, but for racing they often needed LHD cars to meet regulations or suit driver preferences in continental Europe. Tickford and Cosworth would prep the race cars using RS500 bodykits and aero, and at the same time carry out LHD conversions specifically for track use. If you look at a VIN History Report you’ll usually see these cars starting life as standard RHD road cars before being converted for competition.

So yes, all road cars were RHD, but the race versions you see in DTM, WTCC, and even the Nürburgring winner were modified LHDs for practical reasons — driver comfort, safety, and sometimes series regulations. The front bumpers, spoilers, and RS500 stickers were all part of the homologation package, which is why the cars still looked completely “factory correct,” even though the steering layout had changed — something that also shows up clearly when you dig into the VIN history.

RHD for the streets, LHD for the races. That’s why you see legendary drivers in LHD RS500s even though no LHD road cars officially existed.