Beautiful 356a Intermeccanica on Ebay-$45k

I didn't notice any indication that it is a replica other than mentioning Intermeccanica.

Some potential buyers may not know who or what Intermeccanica is.

I love these cars but for 45k you could buy a classic 1970 SS Chevelle or amazing Lincoln Continental convertible (amongst many real classics).

I'm I a terrible person for not understanding paying more than 20k for a replica car?  I almost feel guilty paying what I did for my used tub.

And for $45k wouldn't you expect to receive the gauge cluster on the correct side (Speedometer on right side)

... then it's a good thing you got what you did. I'll never understand the fixation on this site with telling other people how they should spend their own money.

Right on, Stan!

I'm with Christian on this one, and not because he has a smokin hot girlfriend..

For whatever the reasons may be, some of us don't understand the concept

of spending big money for a replica.....I have been involved in this discussion many times,

some feel otherwise....there is no right answer, it comes down to your passion vs your

pocketbook.....

I can understand not wanting to spend big money on a replica. I cannot understand telling other people they shouldn't. They mean different things to different people. The big-money guys don't see them as "fake", they see them as legitimate cars in their own right.

... but we've had this discussion before. Again and again and again.

I didn't tell anyone not to buy it.  I merely spoke my opinion.  This is a PUBLIC forum where we have the freedom to speak our minds.

If this was a members car from this forum and he made it clear, I would not have said what I did out of "thread crapping" and respect.

My friends would hang me if they knew what I spent on my VS.  They would burn my house down if they found out I dropped 45k on a replica. 

If I didn't grow up collecting and working on pure American muscle, as well as understanding their value... maybe my tune would change.  But knowing what I can buy for 45k that is authentic?  yeah.... I wouldn't drop that kinda coin on this car.

At what point do you not just get a real one?

Sorry to hurt anyone's feelings but I guess I just don't make the money some of ya'll do to blow 45k on a replica.

Do your wives also wear 10k 8 Carrot Cubic Zirconia's ?  No, that would be silly to spend that kinda coin on a fake ring right?  (which is arguably better than the real thing)

Anyway... Love America and our freedom of speech.  Pretty soon, we won't even have the right to bear arms. So I've been doing a lot of both recently

Unfortunately, as soon as a replica owner puts on Porsche badges, the car becomes a copy of the original. Whether that be better or worse.  When it comes down to it, I think I would pay a high price for an Intermeccanica speedster.  But that would be a modern Intermeccanica Speedster, not a copy of the original Porsche Speedster which is a much slower, poorer handling product engineered 60+ years ago.  Based on what I have seen personally, the Intermeccanica product is worth the price.  This is all coming from a current owner of a Vintage Speedster and FiberFab/Metalcraft Speedster. I've owned 3 different Vintage Speedsters and have driven an original Porsche Speedster.  The modern Intermeccanica is a different beast all together. I don't have the money for it, but it is a finely designed automobile that should be evaluated on it's own merits.  I understand a 1970 SS Chevelle can go for 40k+US on the open market. That doesn't necessarily mean that is a refined automobile that can be driven daily.

-=theron

I agree with Theron on this.  I recently bought my second Intermeccanica, this time a Speedster.  I do not consider it to be a 'replica', no more than I am a 'replicant' (some of you may get that reference).

The only badging I have on my car is that of Intermeccanica, as my car is not a Porsche.  Note I say 'car', as that is exactly what it is, in the same way that any individually, hand built vehicle is a car.  Neither is it a kit car, as it was assembled in the Intermeccanica shop.

To me, I would rather have this, and pay the price, than have an original car (muscle, sports, etc.) from the 1950s or 1960s that drives like a tank except in a straight line, with drum brakes that barely make it stop, or else can't keep up with modern traffic.  I also have a 2005 Mustang GT, which gives me all the best aspects of a Mustang, with none of the drawbacks of a 40 year old car.  No, I am not rich, but came into a small sum a while ago, and driving is what I love to do, and I made the decision to buy cars that would allow me to enjoy my passion.  I also do not have the ability to take a pile of parts and build a driveable car, but I certainly admire those who do, and share their pride and joy in what they have done.

Like Stan, an IM to me is a modern sports car, not a replica.  I hear few people speaking of modern Cobras as replicas.  I too have owned many sports cars, but decided that an Intermeccanica would give me what I want today - something I can drive on any road in almost any conditions.

To each his own, of course, and maybe we Intermeccanica owners are a little tired of this ongoing debate.  We know what we have, and we appreciate it.

Cheers to all, whatever you are driving.

IMs are built VERY well. Are they worth the money? Yes, if that's what you want to spend your money on! Jeez, the same old same old keeps going around. I don't own a Speedster of any sort. I built a Spyder, and the Spyder guys go round and round about brands too. The best car for you is the one you drive, period!Let it go already. 

Well, I wasn't going to jump in here, but Vince did (as he always does on any discussions about IMs), so, I did too.

It's all good, Bob.

Yes, all these cars give all of us something to do in our spare time, to be sure.

Being at home recovering from an eye operation, I'm spending TOO much time on this site.

It's all new to this guy. He doesn't understand the "Groundhog Day" aspect of any of this.

I completely understand how the thought process works, as what drew me to these cars initially was the price-point. "It's a VW, how much could stuff cost?" was a line I actually uttered. However, like other specialty cars, motorcycles, bicycles, clothes, watches, and HVAC equipment-- the closer you get to mechanical perfection, the steeper the cost/benefit curve becomes, until it approaches infinity. 300 h/p comes for a couple grand in muscle-car world-- it costs about $30-50K in a flat 4. There are guys paying it (outside of "replica-world", but coming soon to a car near you), because that's what they get off on.

It's the same with these cars. 80% of the goodness can be had for $25K, but there are guys spending north of $100K on 911/6 cars. 150 h/p comes for about 5 grand, the next 50 cost twice as much. The 50 after that are twice as much again. Are the $100K cars and $20K engines 4x better than the more plebeian models? To the buyer: yes, to the original poster: no. $120K is the cost of a starter home out here on the plains. It's loose change floating around in the couch-cushions for some captains of industry-- so smacking somebody down for what they spent on one something comes off as class-envy. Sorry.

Theron made the observation that once a guy slaps "Porsche" badges on his car, he's made it a "replica". Interestingly, most of the high-end Intermeccanicas I've ever seen have a conspicuous lack of "P-car" badging, unless they are 911/6 powered. My first car had Porsche badging on every surface big enough to slap a crest. My (much better) car has none. I came to love my car for what it is, not for what I wish it was.

Not every expenditure is an investment. I'd like to get my money back for everything I lay out, but when something is a labor of love-- it's going to be pennies on the dollar. That's why I'll never understand it when guys sell their cars to start a business, or have a baby, or anything else that requires cash.

The guy selling this car has every right to ask what the market will bear, and the potential buyer has every right to pay what it costs to get what he wants. Your friends opinion and pyromania are really inconsequential in the big scheme of things. If you don't think something is worth the asking price, don't buy it. The fact that other people do proves that there is some room in the marketplace for both of you.

Thanks Vince

(the compliment didn't go unnoticed)

Sincerely,

This Guy

This Guy- Sorry I didn't get your name. It's not anywhere on your post, but that's also something we've talked to death as well.

Most of you guys are plus middle age and should know you get what you pay for.  "Replica" has nothing to do with it.  IM buyers know what originals cost and what they are, and what they are not.  IM buyers are looking for something that can't be had for 25-35K new.  IM buyers are not stupid (well maybe I am) and if what they were looking for can be had for 25-35K new, they would buy it.    I need  a cappuccino now.  

Marty:

Those leather driving gloves are perfect for not burning your hands on that cappuccino you are going to have.

Me, I prefer a decaf latte...

Bob, Sandy and I are heading north tomorrow morning with the North Shore Chicago Club (Gloves in Tow).   I'm taking the water cooled IM and looking forward to the Fall Leaves, Country Roads and Brisk WI air.  I booked the Jacuzzi Suite in WI (Sandy doesn't know that part).  Ill report back on how this event goes. 

Yes, we need details on the jacuzzi event...

ya can get a miata for 20k

I definitely want one.......if I had the coin available I'd already have one.  Some day!!!

Vinny mentions my name in the thread. 

I also have it in my signature which apparently only shows when you create a new thread.

But like you said, the pitfalls of this new forum/layout have been talked to death.

-Christian (no relation to the religion)

Marty.....take pictures...(you know what I mean)

Christian....I believe the main diference between us and the IM owners is that they have assended past the replica stigma to a level that they believe their cars are originals produced by a builder of highly handcrafted automobiles....

I don't disagree with this concept, but it is one that the average every day guy

wouldn't understand, we still see it as a replica....

I would totally buy a Lincoln convertible!! Then I would put Lamborghini emblems on it. If I could afford it, I'd definitely buy an IM-6. Then I'd put Lincoln emblems on it.

Hey, isn't that an Intermeccanica?

No, its a Lincoln! 

Good point...

I still love this car, be it a replica or an original (however I would def. love an original more so) 

Vince you almost nailed it.  The only part wrong is that IM'ers dont believe they are driving orignial Porsches if that is what you meant.  They do belive they are drivinig a handcrafted custom coach built automobiles (and that comes at a cost).  Original Intermeccanicas not Porsches.   

Marty, never mentioned the word porsche, I think we established that Henry does

not badge his cars as porsche's.....of course the average guy will still see it that way..and that is where the problem is, basically seeing the IM as another replica.

Christian, The beauty of having the replica is not having to worry about it...drive the snot out of it. park it anywhere you please, etc...

If it was real, you couldn't do anything with it...including insuring it....

popcorn anyone got popcorn

marty google this

Schließen Sie ab

Vinnie i've ascended past my IM being a replica. AND way past original..

I'm now to the point that I'm driving an exotic of sorts haha. I'ts like driving one of god's creations and Henry is Jesus son of said mechanical god

The car has magical powers that most somewhat sane large breasted women can't resist.

Just yesterday a 20 something foxie little thing was drooling all over it at the local store...insisted on taking a picture of the car with her in it. I did just that.. Cool..except she  killed the buzz when she said she  

couldn't wait to show the pics to her BOYFREIND..doh

Oh yeah and about parking it anywhere...I'm not too keen on that. There's plenty of retarded thieves out there who might steal it not knowing it's a copy. (I've got a Berg Locker' though for the ones without a tow truck)

Gerd, I dont get it.  It said Lock?   BTW you have IM Envy Miata Boy.  You sold one Bad ASS Coupe.  I hope you have other 356 plans for the future.  Moose, here is a picture of the Messiah during my build. 

NO PLANS YET BESIDES VINCE HAS ENOUGH CARS FOR BOTH OF US

Marty thanks for that. I'm gonna scan, print and frame it so I can hang it in my IM shrine (which is  right next to my SAS shrine)

Hey Moose. don't you mean ASS instead of SAS

Oh, by the way, I bought a denver boot for my truck, since it's outside most of the time...

hehe

Denver boot. very effective

I've got a Tahoe boot. If you try to mess with my mystical IM machine you get the boot up the back side