beck or intermeccanica

Tastes great. Less Filling.

It's the age old arguement. You'll get a different answer from each side. Both manufacturers produce a quality car. I'd suggest looking at examples of the fit and finish and decide which one you like best.

You will be satisfied with both. What you should really ask yourself is "what do I want in a replica?" And see who offers the most options that fit your build sheet. Looking only at resale value tells me that you're already worried about selling a car you don't have.

Is this an investment or something to drive and enjoy?


Ted

If you are buying used than both IM & Beck may keep their value. 

 

Both are quality products.

 

Key differentiator is the high end fit, finish and packaging of the IM.

 

Are those important enough in your mind to justify the price difference ?

Both great and reliable products.  In my opinion the difference is that Beck is somewhat more old school regarding steering, suspension, breaks = feel of the car.  That of course also translates to a touch lower cost.

The more expensive car is going to depreciate a tad more; same thing as in the rest of the automotive world.  Seek the options your after like Ted stated.

A word of advice, Riva: Never by a replica expecting it to be an investment.  Buy one to enjoy, and perhaps you can recoup most of your costs should you later decide to sell.

Thanks Ted,

In regards to investment or enjoyment, The intermeccanica i looked at was
at 60,000.00 I was just wondering about holding their value as that is the
same amount of money for a 66 Mustang K code 4sp convertible and I know
that will continue to appreciate, now I realize we are not talking apples
and apples and what is the enjoyment that I am looking for but the beck
speedsters that look very nice are in the high 20's - low 30's so I am
trying to figure in the speedster scheme is their that much difference in
the value of the two speedsters

Thanks for your help

Riva 53

Think of the Beck as a Honda Civic and the IM as a 3 series BMW.

Both are very good vehicles, but the BMW is considerably more money and is a step up in refinement and quality.

As Marty stated the Beck and IM will depreciate at approximately the same rate, but because the IM is more expensive new the amount of depreciation will be higher, just like the depreciation difference between a BMW and Honda Civic.

A better comparison might be between a newer Beck and an older IM, where the prices would be closer.

What you're doing makes complete and total sense. I'm not trying to fault you at all.

 

At 60k, you'd better be getting a whole lot more car than the what'd you get for the car in the mid to low 30's.  My guess is that the IM wasn't running an aircooled motor. I'd bet it's running a subi motor. The beck? I'm guessing it's running a type1 or type4 motor. Big difference in those two power plants.

 

If we're ranking the build quality, I can't say which is better (Beck or IM), because I have a CMC. I've seen both manufacturers builds and they are equally amazing. Both are more than I'd ever need because I enjoy wrenching on mine and driving it every moment I can. 

 

Where are you located? Maybe one (or more) of our members are near by. SOC members always eager to show off their cars. I bet someone will offer to let you inspect their Beck / IM.

 

Good questions on your part. I encourage you to keep looking. I'd love to see you behind the wheel driving one and enjoying everything that comes with speedster ownership.

 

Ted

 

 

Now that I understsand , thanks

Hey Ted,

Thanks for continuing the conversation.The IM is actually an Air cooled, the owner went to the nine's in restoration. He has a special paint on it to match his real 930 turbo and everything else. The problem I have with it is it was built in 2008 by Henry at IM. You can go to the IM website and select cars for sale and it will come up. It is located in Pennsylvania. He is telling me that he is into it 65,000 when he built it, but 7 years old even with no miles I feel like at 60 plus tax and freight to ship it to Washington state that I am taking the hit on depreciation even if it only has 700 miles from build.
Henry from IM has provided me with a list of current owners in my area and I am going to call them and take a look. The bottom line is that I have a hard time with a 7 year old car at 60 grand no matter what shape. This is actually for my wife so I will start this process and tell her that we need to be careful and research more, this should allow me to hold her off for awhile and we can still enjoy the 50 caddy convertible in the garage until she thinks that I am stone walling her and by that time hopefully we will have found something or she will be content to ride in the caddy.
If it is ok I will stay in touch with you with more questions.

Thanks,

Mark




> On Feb 4, 2015, at 8:48 AM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Regretfully big bucks spent of exotic engine mods, Ostrich covered seats, personalized custom mods, $5k paint jobs - especially in non-standard colors make a car harder to sell.  If you stick to a standard build (1775-1915 cc), dual carbs, Replica Fuchs or chrome wheels, and a standard color (silver, black, red, ivory) it will be easier to resell faster so better return.  In cold climates windup windows and coupes probably retain more of their value.  Maybe not a big deal as resales frequently are transferred from coast to coast. That said it isn't an investment like guns perhaps --- its a hobby where "the madness" kicks in and causes the owner to do crazy mods - heck, You fall in love and may never sell it!

Thank you very much, that is exactly what i am thinking

Riva 53,



> On Feb 4, 2015, at 10:13 AM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Hey Mark,

 

Please understand- I'm not trying to talk you out of anything. I sincerely want you to get a car which you will enjoy, even if that's a Mustang.

 

Something to consider is that these cars are effectively based on 50 year old technology. Many times people get a speedster and the dream does not match the reality. Beck and IM do their best to correct for these things.  If it's your wife who will be driving this car, she should really drive one to make sure she is aware of what she's getting into. IM and Beck are pretty close in this regard. Both offer excellent safety and comfort.

 

What is is that she likes/hates about the caddy? What keeps her from drivig it more often? IM/Beck can install all the creature comforts you'd like to make the care more 'comfortable' than the original Speedster. I agree with the others, most people would be happier in a cabriolet or roadster (Roll up windows, comfort seats, and an improved top, etc.)

 

Back to your original question regarding the cost / value.  IM is the top of the line taken to a whole 'nutha level. For Speedsters, Roadsters, and Cab's - they are the gold standard. If you're going to buy an IM, you might consider going all in and embrace the experience from start to finish. Have Henry build you exactly what you want. I'm with Wolfgang, buying a car that was built to a vision from somebody else may not be a rewarding experience. Unless you can find a used car ticks all the right boxes for you, that would be the best of both worlds. If you're spending more than 30-35K on a 'extra' or 'fun' car, it should be the best example you can find and have dang near every option you'd want. 

 

If you are more into driving the car and enjoying it for what it is (stripped down weekend warrior race car from the 1950's to entice the US market), I think you would be very happy with a Beck. If accustomed to the finer things in life, and want a classic beauty that offers performance and luxury you will not find a better example than the IM roadster/cab.

 

The mustang (as much as I love the speedster) may actually tick all the right boxes for your situation, with the upside of increasing value.

 

The speedster market is on FIRE right now. Replicas are kind of getting scooped up in the P car bubble. How is the muscle car market? Does the pony car fall into that umbrella? If that market is 'soft' you may actually be even better off with the american iron.

 

The other thing to consider is registration and insurance. Becks and IM's fall into a different class than a true factory built car. This makes insuring them and registering them a little bit different than a factory made car. You won't have any problems getting them registered as Beck and IM have done this 1000's of times. You usually run into issues with the original IM's/CMC/Vintage cars.

 

Now... that said, we're going to need pictures of the caddy.

 

Ted 

Two things that distinguish that IM from the Beck. It sounds like that particular IM is using IM's 914 suspension vs IM's or Beck's more standard beetle suspension. So that IM should handle better. And that IM has power windows vs the Beck's standard side curtains. If you drive in inclement weather, the IM has the advantage, though going with an IM roadster vs speedster would further improve that.

 

I would also probably give the nod on overall fit and finish to an IM.

 

But the question is, are those things worth it to you to pay twice the price for the IM? I agree with Lane that replicas are not investment cars and probably shouldn't be bought with that in mind. Though I feel it's likely you'll get more for it after a few years than you would for any brand new $60k car.

Just my quick 2 cents .... my Beck is as reliable as any replica out there.  As I live in Florida, I rarely put up the top and don't need roll-up windows.  For me, driving this car is relaxing and an enormous pleasure ....  unless its stop and go in the city.  Although I drive it very often there is no way it could be a daily driver for me. Frankly speaking, I do not enjoy driving with the top up as it's noisy, cramped and gives poor visibility (safety issue).  Also, it's a very small car in todays 75 mph world so one has to pay a lot more attention.  Just some thoughts to consider ...  

Me too.  I found that driving my IM with the top up was no fun.

Your concern about the age of the IM really should not matter that much - and that applies for other makes, too.  Most people really care for these cars, and with so few miles it's hardly used. 

 

It's not as if these cars are revamped completely each 'new model year'.  The makers do improvements along the way, and the year of the car is not all that important, be it an IM, Beck, Vintage, SAS, or JPS, etc.

Being in Washington, IM is the closest builder too.  I'm a HUGE Beck fan, but I also enjoy proximity.   I'm 3.5 hours away and enjoy wintering my car there for upgrades and maintenance.  It's a $30 train ride each way.

These cars are very far away from a modern sports car.  I know my wife wouldn't enjoy one.  Since your wife doesn't have to worry about the chick car stigma, you might give a newer, post intermediate shaft issue, Boxter a look.

Big bucks? $5k paint jobs?

 

Greg, you've got to get out more, buddy. $5k for paint doesn't go very far.

What keeps my wife from driving besides me (haha) is no power steering or brakes and when it comes to parking it is like docking the queen Mary. She drove my 62 xke roadster and xk150 roadster in past so I know what everyone is talking about as being cramped with top up. I appreciate your thoughts and Henry from IMC has given me list of people in my area with speedsters so I will take her to look at them and go from there.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts

Mark

> On Feb 4, 2015, at 11:01 AM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Thanks Ted,

will get u some pics of my Caddy and 57 Cameo Pickup, this is why I need to get my wife a speedster, the other end of the deal

Mark





> On Feb 4, 2015, at 11:01 AM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

You're all set.

 

I look forward to seeing your new IM.

 

Henry will treat you right. Once you see a few you will be hooked.

 

You have great taste in cars!

 

Ted

Ha! I love it. I'm pretty sure I have a kitchen remodel in my near future.  Once the wife sees what I paid for the new wheels, it may include a second story. 

 

Ted

If you live near Vancouver then it is a no brainer, having the manufacturer at your doorstep would be wonderful.  If your unsure, you can buy a good used IM with 90% of what you want in options. Most will agree I think, that you are buying condition rather than year in this type of vehicle due to a low miles normally driven. Buying in the 30-40-50 K range would give you a used IM with different depreciation rate as your hitting the bottom on what these vehicles will depreciate to... If you fall in love with it like I did then you sell your used one and then go for the new one you dreamed of.  It will cost you some to own the used one but then you don't take the hit on depreciation by being delusional and buying something you have never really experienced. That is the reason a new build gets sold in the first year. Illusion, delusion. 

 

So if your not sure, buy used - less depreciation, 

You could Calculate both new and used and see what it will cost you per year of enjoyment. 

It can be calculated out. 

In my opinion, buying used is always the best $ value if you can find someone who had a similar vision to you with his build you might find a keeper for much longer than you thought. 

 

Hope this helps Enjoy the journey, Ray 

I'm drooling in North Gower as we speak, Ray. Could you post a pic or two of what your vision became ? Cheers...

Thank you Ray,

We are on the same page.

Mark



> On Feb 4, 2015, at 2:48 PM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Find the car you like, then buy as much of that as you can afford (or budget for)! 

 

On the other hand...

 

A Guamanian walks into a shoe store (not that Guamanians often wear shoes, but when you're de-flowering the female virgin demographic of an entire island you need something more than flip-flops).

 

The shoe store is stocked with every kind of shoe imaginable from inexpensive casual sneakers to crazy-money designer footwear. The Guamanian could probably afford most any shoe in the store. A helpful store clerk asks the Guamanian "How can I help you find the perfect shoe"?

 

The Guamanian in all his 'Guamness' replies, "I'm not sure what I'm looking for, but I'll know it when I see it"!

 

I'm just saying...

 

Mark, if we're talking investment value, the best advice is to diversify your portfolio.

 

Get a Beck AND an IM.

Hi Mark & David, here is a pict of the finished vision... Hope you guys like it. I am hoping to bring it to Carlisle and race Marty Ray 

Bring your gloves, Ray, Marty only races guys with gloves.

 

Good Idea Rich, I think I will ask Henry to get some made for me in spiny beck leather matching my interior colour ray

Awesome, Henry...er..Ray.