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Body Shape: Replica vs. Original

FM Former Member
Newbie here - I am sure this topic may have been covered earlier in this forum at some stage (I searched but couldn't find it), but will pose it (again):

Is the body shape of replica speedsters a faithful reproduction of the original shape or are there subtle differences (aside from the flared versions...which isn't exactly a subtle differnce, but you know what I mean)?

The rear of replicas appear slightly more 'rounded' ( ie. valence between cockpit and engine bay seems higher) than originals. Similarly, some (but not all) replicas appear to have a larger gap between the base of the headlight and the turn signal. Maybe I've been staring at pictures of speedsters too long (or perhaps not long enough)....

Assuming the replicas are modelled from molds taken from an original, I would have thought it easier to produce them exactly as per the original...but perhaps there are legal implications associated with this approach?

Any constructive feedback greatly appreciated.
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FM Former Member
Newbie here - I am sure this topic may have been covered earlier in this forum at some stage (I searched but couldn't find it), but will pose it (again):

Is the body shape of replica speedsters a faithful reproduction of the original shape or are there subtle differences (aside from the flared versions...which isn't exactly a subtle differnce, but you know what I mean)?

The rear of replicas appear slightly more 'rounded' ( ie. valence between cockpit and engine bay seems higher) than originals. Similarly, some (but not all) replicas appear to have a larger gap between the base of the headlight and the turn signal. Maybe I've been staring at pictures of speedsters too long (or perhaps not long enough)....

Assuming the replicas are modelled from molds taken from an original, I would have thought it easier to produce them exactly as per the original...but perhaps there are legal implications associated with this approach?

Any constructive feedback greatly appreciated.
FM Former Member
Its always been my understanding that the overall shape is an accurate reproduction of the original.

I believe in photos of original Speedsters you can see slight differences in the distance between the headlight and the turn signal/horn grill, this was a Porsche manufacturing change between early (closer to headlight) and later versions (closer to bumper) - I think.
HossHoss
Perhaps you should contact the builder(s) you are interested in and find out from him/them what they have to say on this issue. I believe that most use a body shell which is a "splash" from an original car (PGO excepted). I think that the bodies are pretty faithful to the original cars which they replicate. Also, keep in mind that the history of 356 Porsches, Speedsters included, is pretty complicated and authoratative sources, such as Dr. B. Johnson, base much of what they have documented on owner-supplied pictures and text which are as complete and correct as that data can be. Also keep in mind that exceptions to the "rules" abound.
John H.
FM Former Member
Porsche Speedsters were a genuine coachbuilt car, whereas no two are exactly alike. The bodies were all made up of different pieces welded together to make one solid unit. If you had purchased two new Speedsters in the late 50s, and tried interchanging the doors, front or rear lids with each other, chances are they would all have little discrepancies on fitament.
FM Former Member
Th VS and JPS "Classic" bodies come with a flaw in the right front quarter. The flaw is a perfect reproduction of a poorly repaired metal bodied Porsche.

The flaw is a bowed right front fender. Theron pointed this out before I bought my car and I find it to be a cool feature. This represents the purity of the copy.

I like the fact that the parent car passed on it's beautiful flaws as some of us have passed on our flaws to our children.
oldyeleroldyeler
I spoted that early on, and went back and fixed the opening edge where it bowed out just in front of the door.
I also found way to much bondo fill on the passager rear quarter where it had begun to crack. Someone at Kirks shop mis cut the wheel well opening at the rear and covered up their mistake with bondo.

I ground it all out and reglassed it correct.


He needs to keep a eye on the help.
FM Former Member
Your kidding right? You don't think an employee really snuck in there and did a bondo job and know one told on him? A lot of people would have seen the evidence before it got painted. But maybe not....maybe them same guy prepped the car also painted it? Did you know that the major auto makers make repairs to cars and under certain conditions and exceptions they don't have to tell you even if you are buying the car new. I once bought a brand new car that had been repainted and I figured it out later......I was not to happy.
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