Besk Speedster

Although I have yet to acquire a speedster, I am leaning towards a beck; here are the reasons:

1.) A comparrison of techinical data between the original 356A and the beck are so close as to be nonexixtant.

2.) The most knowledgable person I have spoken with (three times now) of all speedster replica makers out there is Luke Richards of Boulder Speedsters (the West Coast distributer for the Beck... He knows everything and is willing to share! I have had conversations with other Beck dealers (not Kevin or his crew) as well as vintage and a couple of others and no one can begin to be as helpful.

3.) Aside from the tubular chassis, a good thing if you ask me (compared to a VW pan), everything else can be made to be so close to the origial that it is impossible to tell the difference.

This forum thread aludes to potential problems with the Beck. I'd love to know what they might be before I lay my check down. Can any Beck owners offer any advise, can any one tell me why a Beck might be the wrong choice?

Hello Klee; I would like to share my dealings with Luke Richards, I purchased Beck speedster back in Dec. of 2003, I bought mine because of the frame. It was the best looking one I've seen, and I have not regretted it. The car is a basic build but I 've done a few things to it since. Had I had a larger buget I would have bought an IM custom build. I 'm having a ball with mine. I can say my dealings were over the phone ,and Luke e-mailed me some pictures of the car I ended up with. He is a straight shooter and I recomend him if you are going to do busness with him. Here are a couple of my recent photos.

Maybe its me but if "as close to original as possible" is what your
looking for than the tube chassis violates that premise right off
the bat....its one of the biggest pieces there is.
Granted it may be better than the original pans, but then there are
other options that would also be better than original, like frigging brakes, motor, just what do you want that is so authentic??????

Ray,
Thanks for your input on Luke Richards and your speedster, I appreciate it.

Vince,
Your comment on the frame is well taken, but a VW pan is NOT a speedster pan. Further, it must be modified by shortening it (something that does not improve the original one bit) to fit the body. Yes there are brkes and motors, and most replicas come with improved break systems and MUCH larger engines than the speedster ever had, better gear boxes, the list goes on and on. What I want is a replica that collows the original specs as close as possible while improving the breed with modern innovations. Seems to me the tubular chassis is such an improvement. If you have orher replicas I should consider, I'd be happy to hear your thoughts and to follow up upon them.

Thank you both for your prompt responses.

Hi Klee!

Assuming you want a framed car;

The Beck may be a good/great choice, but! If you are thinking a framed car then you might check out Bill George's brand new Thunder Ranch car (new pics posted) and write him privately. I think Bill is thrilled with his ride and they will build the car to suit you.

I must also recommend my choice; Intermeccanica. The owner, Henry will treat you good, and when it gets down to $$? You are just not that far off the price of a loaded Beckster or Thunder Car. The build, the detail, the handling (the engine is moved forward) and the many ways to build it are just some of the reasons I went with Henry. Write me if you want specifics.

Yes, I believe there is a recent Beck owner on this forum that has had a bad experience. Does that make a Beck a bad car? All of the builders have had a complaint or two.... so it may indicate nothing..... Ray's car looks good to me!

Klee; I didn't mention what I did to my speedster as I really don't know what you have in mind for your own. I have four wheel disc brakes , a 1975 cc moter by CB, and oil cooler with fan, a 388 tranny conversion from 412 ,( I wanted a little more milage when driving up and down the freeways. I purchased a 911 cooling fan and turbofan altenator but I haven't installed these yet. I 'm having too much fun driving my car to start teardown yet . I guess when the weather turns to crapp I'll get into it , should be ready for Knotts though. I would like to install sway bar and a compesator on rear. ( I have a swing axle) I maybe will change my exaust system, for a moer mellow tone. I bought this speedster to have fun driving it and making little personal touches on it and having a little performance. This beck is a dailly driver . I've got rock chips, scratches, and like , but hey, I drive the hell out of it. You will probably do the same , most do. Have fun ,goodluck, maybe on the road somwhere we might meet up when you do purchase one.

Klee I think any of the builders mentioned can do a great job building you a car. I have a tube frame car, Thunder Ranch, and I test drove 3 other cars that had pans and my car handles like a slot car compared to a pan car. Go with the tubes. The only other thought I would bring to this discussion is to meet on a regular basis with your builder and make sure you are getting exactly what you want. Make sure you like the stance of the car, make sure you fit in the car, ie. steering wheel, pedals, etc. Changes are easier to make during constructing rather than after. If your builder is not flexible find another one.