James, you are correct. These vehicles use 1950's technology and are easy to maintain if you're willing to work on them. A lot of people but these and are unwilling to tinker with them. Plus, they're fair weather cars and they're not for everyone. Please read the posting at the top of most of these sections about being ready to buy one. It's pretty comprehensive. We all have reasons for why we bought what we did and they're right for us. Good luck!
Yes, Lane, I went off line with James last night and tried to get him to hook-up with Jack. They're only an hour apart. Jack seems absent, maybe out on his Beemerbike somewhere.
Jack lives in Hot Springs. He did what many folks recommend and bought a used, low mileage car. He fell in love with both the car and this group of crazies, and has since put in quite a few upgrades, um, in the car ;-) Upgrading us is a lost cause.
Those three cars all look nice. The white one is a Vintage, although I didn't see that in the ad. If it's new, covering the reseller's costs will cost you more. Of the three, the Beck will be the most powerful as that is their upgraded 125hp 1915cc engine. It also has an A1 Sidewinder exhaust added. That's what I have and it's a nice combo. The Dark Vintage will be a reliable, fun car, but might be a bit slow with the 1600. The white Vintage will be a bit quicker with their 1900. The Beck will be roomier with the tube frame, and the top is a bit nicer. Beyond that, it depends on who finished the build and how careful they were. Expect all of these cars to require some sorting, which some folks just aren't equipped for. That is why so many low mileage used ones are available. These cars are for someone who likes to make them "their" with custom touches, and they require more maintenance than modern cars. You shouldn't expect modern car weather proofing, either. Just about all of us have gotten wet inside our cars - with the top up. It's part of the mystique.
UPDATE: I reread the ads, and the Beck is the bargain of the three. It's got less than 2k miles and has a Buy-it-now of under $22k. The grey Vintage has 12k miles, and they want almost $25k. For that you can get a new one built to your specs with a larger engine. The white Vintage is new, but he wants almost $29k for it. Seems kinda high. --START CAVEAT-- Of course, I am a bit biased and these are just my opinions. --END CAVEAT--
Those three cars all look nice. The white one is a Vintage, although I didn't see that in the ad. If it's new, covering the reseller's costs will cost you more. Of the three, the Beck will be the most powerful as that is their upgraded 125hp 1915cc engine. It also has an A1 Sidewinder exhaust added. That's what I have and it's a nice combo. The Dark Vintage will be a reliable, fun car, but might be a bit slow with the 1600. The white Vintage will be a bit quicker with their 1900. The Beck will be roomier with the tube frame, and the top is a bit nicer. Beyond that, it depends on who finished the build and how careful they were. Expect all of these cars to require some sorting, which some folks just aren't equipped for. That is why so many low mileage used ones are available. These cars are for someone who likes to make them "their" with custom touches, and they require more maintenance than modern cars. You shouldn't expect modern car weather proofing, either. Just about all of us have gotten wet inside our cars - with the top up. It's part of the mystique.
UPDATE: I reread the ads, and the Beck is the bargain of the three. It's got less than 2k miles and has a Buy-it-now of under $22k. The grey Vintage has 12k miles, and they want almost $25k. For that you can get a new one built to your specs with a larger engine. The white Vintage is new, but he wants almost $29k for it. Seems kinda high. --START CAVEAT-- Of course, I am a bit biased and these are just my opinions. --END CAVEAT--
And the Beck is only 4-5 hours away for him.
If I'm dropping 21.5 grand, I'd lean for the Beck, which is a good value BTW. For the frame, it's got the larger engine and particularly with their own proprietary frame they are a bit nicer than a Vintage IMHO. Look at the front floor board shots on each car. The Beck is much more spacious than a Vintage is with a VW pan frame. Your left foot will love you for it. On the other hand, most Becks are swing axle cars which I don't really care for but would NOT be a deal breaker .
I have a pan based CMC and this is a big reason I love Becks and Intermeccanicas.
~WB
I have a pan based CMC and this is a big reason I love Becks and Intermeccanicas.
~WB
James--head on down to Hot Springs and you can look at and drive my
Speedster. The advice I have is like all the others have offered but above all--do not rush!! Keep doing your homework. my car is a Vintage, or VS, that I found in Monroe, LA with 800 miles on it. That was July 5, 2007 so tomorrow is a 3 year anniversary! I will add that even though I didn't buy it from Kirk at Vintage, he treats me like any other customer which means, GREAT! It required a lot of sorting and now has about 27,000 miles on it.
I started out with a 1915 Type I (Bug) engine then agonized about upgrading the engine I thought about Subaru power too and still think it will be the "coming thing" but opted for a Porsche 914 engine, known as a Type IV. I wanted the authentic air-cooled experience and have an engine that is as powerful as a Porsche 356 Carerra engine with gobs more torque to boot.
I'll show you a garage full of trophies too.
No one has said it, but you can pick up on it from reading the posts here---the real fun is getting to know the folks in this fraternity at the various events around the country. The next one is in Asheville, Sept 9, 10 and 11. We'll be
driving our Speedster and you can see maybe 15+ others there---all makes. Drive whatever you want--meet us up on I-40 and we'll drive together---I promise I won't slow you down either! Look at the details under "Events". There are two threads--Mountain Madness and one other one.
Call me if you like at 501/760-2889. Welcome to the madness.
Jack
ps--a great car to consider is Alan Merkin's---absolutely stunning and the build is over the top. A great value too. Alan has expertly built 23 Speedsters.
Speedster. The advice I have is like all the others have offered but above all--do not rush!! Keep doing your homework. my car is a Vintage, or VS, that I found in Monroe, LA with 800 miles on it. That was July 5, 2007 so tomorrow is a 3 year anniversary! I will add that even though I didn't buy it from Kirk at Vintage, he treats me like any other customer which means, GREAT! It required a lot of sorting and now has about 27,000 miles on it.
I started out with a 1915 Type I (Bug) engine then agonized about upgrading the engine I thought about Subaru power too and still think it will be the "coming thing" but opted for a Porsche 914 engine, known as a Type IV. I wanted the authentic air-cooled experience and have an engine that is as powerful as a Porsche 356 Carerra engine with gobs more torque to boot.
I'll show you a garage full of trophies too.
No one has said it, but you can pick up on it from reading the posts here---the real fun is getting to know the folks in this fraternity at the various events around the country. The next one is in Asheville, Sept 9, 10 and 11. We'll be
driving our Speedster and you can see maybe 15+ others there---all makes. Drive whatever you want--meet us up on I-40 and we'll drive together---I promise I won't slow you down either! Look at the details under "Events". There are two threads--Mountain Madness and one other one.
Call me if you like at 501/760-2889. Welcome to the madness.
Jack
ps--a great car to consider is Alan Merkin's---absolutely stunning and the build is over the top. A great value too. Alan has expertly built 23 Speedsters.
Jack is a great font of wisdom, Steve. He's driven his car all over the lower 48, and knows the pitfalls and rewards. Don't expect one of these to be a Miata, or some other modern sports car, and you'll have a LOT of fun. Oh yeah, I'll second Jack's invitation for the Smoky Mountain event in September. You two could caravan.
Jack, you and I share our anniversary dates! I flew into Spokane Washington July 4th, 2007 at 10 PM. The previous owner met me at the airport with my Roadster. I was stunned by how beautiful and how small it looked! But I climbed in and it fit like a glove! I drove right to a motel. At 5AM July 5th I headed out on my 2000 mile "shakedown" cruise. Happy Anniversary my "Iron Butted" friend, it's been a great run!
Hey Jack, I hate to break the news to you, but you may have missed an anniversary date in there someplace...I think this might be your 4th anniversary...your car is probably pissed! 2011 minus 2007 equals 4 to me. Just saying. Roses will help.
Gee, Will, sounds like a new thread to be created..."Where were you when you saw your first Speedster?"
James,
One addition. After looking and reading for almost 2 years I bought a used 05. Buying used gives you space, financially speaking, to make many changes which, believe me, you will do. Frankly, money wasn't the entire issue. My lack of experience WAS. Buying new and then making some changes will, in my opinion, foster memories of your jag. This is redundant at best. I hope it helps.
Bob
One addition. After looking and reading for almost 2 years I bought a used 05. Buying used gives you space, financially speaking, to make many changes which, believe me, you will do. Frankly, money wasn't the entire issue. My lack of experience WAS. Buying new and then making some changes will, in my opinion, foster memories of your jag. This is redundant at best. I hope it helps.
Bob
If you have the 42 K have Henry at Im Built you a car exactly like you want. and be tickled pink with it.
The car pictured is a pan based car, rather common and 22 k is a plenty for it unless it has goodies like disc brakes sway bars Ac . bose radio. eberspacher heater and a Bigger 2110 engine.
Set that seller straight even if you don't buy the car!! The guys are right here A suby is nicer because of its turbo and power plus it has extras like AC, Cruise, and automatic. and 2 trunks.
It depends on your needs in the car and your expectations , Get what you want..the way you want it..
If a Vs is good enought call Kirt. and get it in the color and trim yu want.
REALY!!!
You need to drive a few to get a good idea of what will make you happy.. Id take the guys here up on any offers of a test drive. and learn from it.. then you will know what you want.
The car pictured is a pan based car, rather common and 22 k is a plenty for it unless it has goodies like disc brakes sway bars Ac . bose radio. eberspacher heater and a Bigger 2110 engine.
Set that seller straight even if you don't buy the car!! The guys are right here A suby is nicer because of its turbo and power plus it has extras like AC, Cruise, and automatic. and 2 trunks.
It depends on your needs in the car and your expectations , Get what you want..the way you want it..
If a Vs is good enought call Kirt. and get it in the color and trim yu want.
REALY!!!
You need to drive a few to get a good idea of what will make you happy.. Id take the guys here up on any offers of a test drive. and learn from it.. then you will know what you want.
I want to thank Jack and Rich for sharing their time and their knowledge. Looking forward to owning a speedster.
You're welcome. The other guys know much more than me. I'm just coaching.
James:
Best thing I ever did was spend a ton of time on this site reading and asking questions of the members. Then I was fortunate to get a mentor in Stan Galat who set me straight on some things as I worked through what I really wanted to start with in a Speedster. Took me at least a year.
Next thing was to post that I was looking for a car and what I was interested in.
Then I bought a great car from a site member who everybody knew and is a straight shooter. That provided me with some "insurance" because the longer you spend here the more you will find that most of the frequent posters here are vested in the hobby and in each other. Great bunch of people who look out for each other.
Good luck.
Best thing I ever did was spend a ton of time on this site reading and asking questions of the members. Then I was fortunate to get a mentor in Stan Galat who set me straight on some things as I worked through what I really wanted to start with in a Speedster. Took me at least a year.
Next thing was to post that I was looking for a car and what I was interested in.
Then I bought a great car from a site member who everybody knew and is a straight shooter. That provided me with some "insurance" because the longer you spend here the more you will find that most of the frequent posters here are vested in the hobby and in each other. Great bunch of people who look out for each other.
Good luck.
Bob, despite you being from Illinois, you know what you're talking about. :-)
Can I join you flatlanders some day when you guys all get together? :-)
Maybe it should be over a Packers/Bears gameday.
Can I join you flatlanders some day when you guys all get together? :-)
Maybe it should be over a Packers/Bears gameday.
GO BEARS
Rich:
It would be great to get a bunch of us midwesterners together. Used to live in Mequon years ago, so I've been to my share of Friday night fish fries and Door County weekends.
Bob
It would be great to get a bunch of us midwesterners together. Used to live in Mequon years ago, so I've been to my share of Friday night fish fries and Door County weekends.
Bob
That's great Bob, you may have surmised that I'm right in the same area. My mechanic's shop is in Cedarburg. We have a summer home in Door County and would be a great destination for a union of the Speedsters.
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Hey Gerd, how does LA Vikings sound to you?