About to take the plunge

I am heading to Denver with a check next week to get this car. Any thoughts or anything that stands out to the experts ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Replica-Kit-Makes-356-Speedster-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d2Q26poQ3dLVIQ26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d1074890882785080451QQ_trksidZp5197Q2em7QQitemZ270775192380

What is the actual sale price? ~Alan

Over 42K invested in this car.....PLEEEESE!

Nice car. Check seat stuffing as it must be stuffed with $10, $20 and $50s to hit the "$42k invested" mark.

its an $17,000 car by the looks of it. Kirk will do a new one in the $22,000 range.

What's this...a back seat?

I appreciate the commentary. can some of you explain your opinions to me please ?

Go to VS site - they start at $18,500. Options on one listed are leather ($2000), larger engine ($2000), and 4 wheel disk brakes ($1500). So makes it a $24k car. Any reseller is looking to mark it up $4-5k - plus you probably don't get VS new car service. I'd look for a sorted out used one from a private seller - or if you are fussy about color/option go brand new from VS.

$42k would open up a lot of options, included a slightly used late model Intermeccanica or a nicely outfitted new Beck.

U guys r funny
Tell James to run from that deal

I'll say! I'd like to see all the receipts for the 42 large invested!

~WB

Again, i appreciate the advice,but could you tell me specifically what your trained eyes are seeing that I need to look for. If it's a 24k car new and it has 22 miles what should I offer for it ? The one thing that I saw was that the "porsche" emblem that should be on the front of the car is on the dash. That doesn't seem like a mistake that a knowledgeable builder would make.

Somebody needs to explain that $42k spent does not equal $42k "invested". That holds very true on cars.... "invested" connatates some possibility of a positive return where as $42k spent is a bit different!

Just boils down to, why buy from a reseller when you can go to the source and probably make a better deal(and get exactly what you want).

There was a fellow on this site a few years ago that bought a Vintage from a reseller and when he had problems, neither the seller nor the manufacturer wanted to help him. If you want a Vintage, buy from Vintage and get EXACTLY what you want. 'Nuff said? It isn't about having a trained eye, it's about making a wise purchase decision.

22 miles in two years ? Give me a break. 1830 "race motor"? That could be a real can of worms if no history comes with it. Do yourself a big, big favor. If your hot to get a 21K-24K speedster, CALL KIRK AT VINTAGE. You'll get great value and more importantly peace of mind.

James - All these comments, basically say the same thing. Save yourself a LOT of money and heartache (wrt customer/service support once that car is driven off the lot) by contacting Vintage Speedsters directly.

Speculating on the price range that you're in, you could do as well dealing with Kirk at Vintage Speedsters. As opposed to after-sellers, Kirk has no need to EMBELLISH the car's details (as with the Denver dealer's description). His sales and return-customers speaks volumes about his product.

Either way, once you're got your new toy (Speedster) we say "Welcome To The Madness". We look forward to you joining our group of misfits and knuckleheads!

James.
The ad says "This vehicle was manufactured AND assembled by Vintage in California (Not a home assembly job)".

That statement makes me question the entire ad! To my knowledge, Vintage does not offer an under the dash emergency break, which this car appears to have. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, it is more authentic and there are a lot of owners who would like to have that option, but I just don't believe the car was fully assembled by Vintage. The interior is also not a Vintage interior. It also does not appear to have a heater control between the seats or heat exchangers on the exhaust.

This is probably a base model Vintage kit assembled by someone other than Vintage. It's possible it's not a Vintage kit at all, but I think it is. I think I can see the tell tale right front fender bulge, that I think all or at least most Vintage cars have, at about 1:31 in the video.

Like everyone else has said, just go directly to Vintage if you want to spend that kind of money. Or, buy Alan's beauty and get a high quality build that you can depend on and have peace of mind. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250845531391
Troy

In my experience there are just too many questions and the investment amount is nothing short of a tall tale. Look else where including direct with Kirk at Vintage Speedsters. Alan

$42,000 invested? what a load of $#!*.

We paid $24,000 and some change for our Vintage that Kirk and crew built.
1915cc, 3:88 trans, Wide 5's, Drumskins, Disc brakes, Headlight grills, Driving lights, Nardi stearing wheel and lots more.
At most the Banjo steeering wheel adds $400

Look at the details in this car... The wrinkles in the carpeting, No carpet in the trunk, wrinkles in the seat apolstery, the details in the engine compartment.

I think it's a vintage but I don't belive Kirk built it and $42,000 invested is a laugh!

Order one from Kirk, he will have it done in 3 weeks and you will be much happier with the car and have a lot left over for your own upgrades

Jay

I'm positive there are better ways to spend $42,000 on a Speedster. You may want one NOW, but if you keep a cool head, you'll save some big bucks. Listen to what these experienced owners say. That is simply way too much for that car.

In addition, how far is Denver for you? Travel money alone probably isn't worth it.

It's not $42k. It's $21k. I was going to offer $19k. However I am sufficiently skeptical at this point. I have also looked at this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619&item=360375994452&viewitem=&category=7251

Yup, it is in the classifieds right here.

One more thing. Porsche emblems don't make the car.

I have had two porsche's. One boxter and one 911 sc targa. my most recent project was a 1970 jagaur e type ots. i just sold it to a doctor in Germany. I am looking for something simple to cruise around in or maybe take a roadtrip or two. if it's $20k or $30k it's not that big a concern. I am far more interested in value.

James, I also have a 911 as do other Speedster owners here on this site do. We're all interested in value. That's why we're telling you these things. Have you spoken with Carey at Special Editions? They do have used cars avaiable from time to time.

Act now, Alan's car has value...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250845531391&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_891wt_1021
Many here on the site will vouch for Alan's work.

Just checked eBay, there's 4 Beck Speedsters currently on the block...

One of them has a Subaru engine for $28,900 buy it now price...there's value.

I think it's overpriced even at $19,000...The build quality just isn't there.

You can probably get a basic new car from Kirk for that price.

We drove our car from California to Texas with just an oil change. We now have over 5000 miles with just oil changes and a valve adjustment......Money well spent.

Jay

Go for the Beck and check with Carey Hines (Special Edition) as to what he thinks about the assembler. The photos show an AC equipped dash and a Carrera engine cover or bonnet. May be one of the first water cooled. The Subaru engine will be more than enough power to tool around in comfort.
Note that the Becks do not use a VW type pan frame, but a real racing style ladder chassis. It is made of 3 inch diameter round tubing. No torsion or bending which makes for great handling

James, I speak from experience. I got the bug to buy a Speedster and made a rash decision. I got my Speedster in a flash, but it was an awfully lopsided trade that the other guy made out on. Cool heads prevail. You'll get one soon enough!

I value all of your advice. Why the subaru engine ? i like the authenticity and availability of the VW, why is the Subaru preferable ? Alan's car looks great but I am looking for a more Vintage appearance. I probably would use the car for photo shoots for my company as well.

James,

There are lots of pro's and con's regarding water-cooled vs. air-cooled. It's a BIG subject, with strong feelings both ways. I suggest that you use the SEARCH function to acquaint yourself with the subject, then ask for clarification.

I really am looking for a black car or silver (possibly grey). I travel a lot for work so distance isn't really a problem. Chances are if there is a car semi close to a major market I can find an excuse to get there pretty quick. Any thoughts on these ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1957-Porsche-Speedster-Replica-Beck-/150626122551?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2312043b37

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSCHE-356-SPEEDSTER-VINTAGE-BEAUTIFUL-CAR-/250848389222?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3a67baa866

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1958-SPEEDSTER-REPLICA-1900-ENGINE-12-MONTHS-WARRANTY-/180688115072?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2a11d9d580

James, this sounds to me like an excuse to fly in, buy a car and drive it back. That's cool, I've done it twice. Where are you located? But, as Jim and others mention, do your homework, hopefully the color of the car, the Porsche emblems, fly-in location etc. are not your deciding factors. There's plenty to chose from. As you can see, the Beck (#1 on your list) from OK has a 1915cc engine. Find out some info on that engine as opposed to that "race-bred" 1835cc or whatever that was. #2 is a what manufacturer? #3 is once again being sold by some dealer who is just going to charge you more money. You have been to a used car lot, correct? Those guys do try to make money you know. Read up on Beck's (I'm partial because I have one), Intermecannicas (can never go wrong), Vintage (over 2500 sold), CMC (out of business), JPS (need a coupe?) and who am I missing guys, chip in if I missed your favorite builder...oh, ya, in no shape or form, you do not need to deal with Cozart Replicas (and some other guy in South Africa)...really!

I'm in Arkansas. i always do my homework on a car. that's why i am here. I studied for over a year before I got my e-type. However there are always questions that come up that you don't anticipate, usually when you are on the side of the road waiting for a tow. My most important qualities are 1) build and fabrication quality- i don't want something that is going to separate from the frame. 2) engine quality- I don't know much about the air cooled vw engines but there seem to be lots of knowledgeable people and plenty of parts, so I can work with that.

What i don't want is a situation like my e-type where I put so much money into it I could never really enjoy it. Secondly I really don't want to buy new if I can help it as it looks as if the re-sale values are precipitous to say the least.Being that these cars are grown up toys for most of us I anticipate that there are more than a few guys who have bought one, had their fun, and are ready to move on. So I think that it's kind of a buyers market. Again, i appreciate all the input.

Jack Crosby, "old Iron Butt" lives in Arkansas...Jack, where are you? He'll give you an ear full.