A friend of ours has a '73 Mini 850 from New Zealand and this past Sunday they let me drive it for a short bit.

What a blast!

This was my first time driving a RHD car. Awesome experience. I found it easier to stay in the lane by thinking of myself on a bicycle. Shifting with my left hand wasn't bad either, although I didn't expect it to be. The 2nd gear syncro is a bit worn and finding 3rd took some practice, but half-way through the drive I had it down - just needed to take your time. Firms up my belief that a classic Mini must be RHD. Otherwise, it's just not... right, IMO. Getting used to that wouldn't be as hard as the manual choke!

I'm definitely in a world of "want" right now.

 

Manual choke is easy. Open it...turn the car on... drive. When it gets warm, turn it off.

Classic Minis are a blast. If you're going to get one, take your time and make sure you don't get one that you're over your head in!