Beck Speedster

Any one ever drive or own a Chuck Beck Motorsports Speedster? Lots of talk here about the JPS, IM, VS, Thunder Ranch & CMC models, but nothing on the Beck. It's price is very comparible with the others, but it's made on a tubular chasis rather than a VW pan. Which I would think is superior. I'm asking because a local shop here in San Diego has a few & it looks bitchin'. Give me some feedback people

It is interesting.....a tube frame at a more reasonable price....the price is similar to that of the pan based cars, but it is about 10-15 thouand less then the IM. I haven't been able to actually see one as speedsters are not common in my area, and they just simply don't have as many out in the US market. My understanding is that they only started importing the speedster this year and don't have the same kind of track record here in the US that the manufacturers that you listed above have. They were in the past primarily a spyder manufacurer.

Uh, I doubt very much that the "basic" Beck is $10,000 to $15,000 less than the "basic" Intermeccanica. If that were true Chuck would put EVERYBODY else out of the Porsche replica business in a matter of months.

I have also heard comments that the 'tube frame' as designed by Beck is not a complete frame, and lacks certain supports at the back of the car? Just what I heard...if anyone knows more, I would be glad to hear.

George,

Hope that no member of any legislation reads this web site. The legislators are always looking for ways to complicate our lives. Guess they feel they are not doing their jobs unless they write more restrictive measures. I am sure the day will come when they drop the hammer on us, our only hope will be the hope we will be "grand fathered". Bruce

I'm not an expert on the various kit/replica manufacturers/builders but whenever someone asks the question which is better there are quite a few comments about the differences - e-brake location, chassis type, price, body quality, paint quality etc. Being an owner of an older CMC I built myself (it still needs a paint job!) and not by a professional I can understand there could be much better kits sold and replicas built today than when I started and finished mine. It would be great if someone would build a file and list the replicas/builders and provide comments on the differences - plus and minus - and what to look for. It should be as impartial as possible. It could be controversial but what isn't? This site is 400 strong and growing and maybe it would help influence those who sell and build to improve. Anyone want to tackle this?

Glenn~ e-mail me, and I'll be happy to put you in touch with a few Beck Speedster owners.

George~ I don't know Henry's pricing, but the Beck starts at $20K (1600cc) and goes from there. Obviously price greatly depends on options, but we build to the customer's specs. (including things like relocation of e-brake, original style seats and door panels, steering wheels, badges, etc...)

Robert~ the 'tube frame' is very well made, rigid, and complete. There's a pic on the website, under "press coverage", of the frame.
Not the best quality picture, but we are documenting the complete process (first bend to last badge)in Jan. and will have a write-up on the site.

~C

George, makes a good point about the price, the base beck being 20k and the IM being 29,750 for a base model. I haven't done an actual comparison of the base models to see what the differences may be, as I would not be interested in a base model. I also read my post and would like to clafify that I don't assume or know if the base model of the two really compare? BUT, the IM price will vary with the exchange rate so don't lock into that number, things do change.....I can tell you that the base IM was 29,750 about two months ago and the base Beck is currently 20,000 after subtracting the two I come up with 9,750 difference in base model price....as stated above it may not be a fair comparison if you look at more then just the tube frame being provided by both parties.
(Message Edited 9/25/2003 2:00:24 PM)

I know that Beck made a lot more spyders in the past, this may be a good indication of past history or may not, hope this helps

You know, a funny thing may happen "on the way to the forum". With IM, JPS, VS, and now Beck (and soon others?) cranking out more Porsche replicas it's only a matter of time before the EPA and states may wise up and start making all new replica cars meet current emissions specs.

If that happens you'll be seeing Subaru engines with catalytic converters as standard equipment on new replicas, but only if the builders do crash testing, 5 mph bumpers, etc.

The VW pan based cars might squeak through as their VIN year, but only if running the original spec engine with single carburetor.

It all depends on the bureaucrats...
(Message Edited 9/25/2003 2:11:18 PM)

There's a "brand new" Beck Speedster at auction on Ebay right now starting at $24,900. It's been there for several days. Not one bid.

Hey John, That Beck Speedster on eBay is the one here in San Diego being sold by Precious Metals. It's the top of the line model which retails at $24,900 They have basically 3 models. A standard (1600cc, $19,950), a middle (1776cc $23,900) & the deluxe (1915cc, $24,900) Other subtle price differences come from rear discs etc.
But overall, the Beck seems very well built. The top is exceptional. Comes with front & rear adjustable suspension and leather interior is standard fitament.

Beck's "de luxe" is probably about equal to IM's "standard" at the same price...?

Someone brought up the emission controls/smog check thing. Here in KY we have a smog check law that is very similar to California's (although it only applies to a few counties - not state-wide). Here, however, only vehicles '66 and newer must be e-checked. A lot depends on the 'year' that is typed into the title. And this may be 'luck of the draw'.

I know a guy who has a Factory 5 Cobra replica (which, of course, is built on an entirely newly manufactured chassis), and it's titled as a '65 Cobra!

I think if I were looking for a chassis, I'd look for the oldest swing-arm/kingpin chassis I could find, and have it titled as that year Beetle.

I was informed recently that many states have rules which may be buried too deeply for the average DMV person to be familiar with regarding the kind of cars we drive. If your car is registered by chassis serial number, you probably meet a prefunctory test which is good enough for most DMV types. However, it may also be true that if the appearance of the car is changed to the point it does not look like what the title says it is, you may not be in compliance with the law. In this case, a state may have a provision for specially constructed vehicles (kit or custom built cars) which is more appropriate. This may mean that the cars components have to be carefully documented and emission tests are based on the YOM of the engine. Other features, such as airbags, side impact protection, 5mph crash test and the like may be waived under exclusions which exist for limited production manufacturers.

On the plus side, perhaps a smile and nod will go a long way towards keeping you out of a jam if you get stopped and challenged. Personally, I try to drive sensibly (most of the time, at least) to keep clear of this type of problem.

With increased public awareness of Tennessee's bad air, it may be that new standards and smog testing will be on the horizon before long. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I hope I don't have to turn the Speedster into a mobile hanging from the ceiling in my great room!
John H.

John,

I had an experience with the Oregon DMV that echo's your post. When I got my JPS this July I received a California title that showed the car was a 67 VW. Since you need an Oregon title to get Oregon plates I took the car and title to the local DMV. They went out a looked at the car, the women I had was befuddled so she got her supervisor to come out. He just stood there and looked at the car and all he said was, "It sure don't look like no VW". I had to get a letter from John Steele explaining what it was. The DMV people had a good point because they register lots of RV's around here. They said RV's are built on Ford, Chevy,Dodge chassis but are titled as a Winnebago. etc.

So the following week I drove down there again, letter in hand. This time I got a clerk that was a car guy and he knew exactly what I had. He was so intent on telling me all the neat cars he had titled in the past that he just kind of looked at the car for a minute and we went back inside and paid my money for the new title and got my plates. Incidently he titled it as a 1957 Porsche, not a 2003 JPS. I didn't argue with him as I had plates in hand and I was "outa there". Being a replicar I guess the airbag and other safety features don't apply but I'm not about to go back down there and ask any questions. I also didn't have to go thru the air quality tests because it was a 57. Guess they don't care it was a new built engine and I am sure it would not have passed! Bruce

There is another issue with tube framed cars that is worth passing along.

I was told by someone in the business that because of the death and mayhem caused by fools driving above their ability, that COBRA's are going to be very expensive to insure, and that to cover their butts insurance companies may frown (Cha-Ching!) on ALL tube framed cars irregardless of the body style, Speedsters not excluded. This is not a rumor, though I don't know if it will get traction or when.

I doubt it will come to that with our cars, but for whatever its worth, that is what I was told is now in the pipeline. VW pan cars will be excluded, or so I was told.

Erik, I would imagine that, given the opportunity, insurance companies will increase EVERYONE'S rates. One of the usual rules insurance companies use is BHP ratings, so in the future we may have to provide that information.

I wouldn't be concerned with a tube framed Speedster or Vw pan being difficult to insure, but Cobra's and other high performance replica/kit cars are seeing their rates go through the roof, when they can even find insurance. I was told in the not distant future on the front-end insurers will ask if your car has a tube frame.

Chuck Beck comes from a raceing background with original Cobras and also builds the Beck Lister 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds. I would think his Speedster would handle great also.

Im in the begining stages of building my Beck speedster. I have owned over twenty speedster replicas and this is my first new one. I ordered a pallet car because i have a new 1915cc motor and a friend whose a great tranny builder. To anybody thats intrested,I would be happy to share my assembley experiences. tom p3561@msn.com