Does the replica give that same porsche feeling? besides the reliabilty/cost/useability benefits, does it feel just as good behind the wheel?
I would appreciate any impressions if anyone has driven both.
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Does the replica give that same porsche feeling? besides the reliabilty/cost/useability benefits, does it feel just as good behind the wheel?
I would appreciate any impressions if anyone has driven both.
I would appreciate any impressions if anyone has driven both.
Its been a long time since I drove an orginal but the general sensation of sitting in one is the same. As for driving most replicas are much better, more (adaquate or better) power, better handling. The pan based cars have more chassis flex than I remember .vs the originals. And your wallet will be fatter.
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I owned a '55 in the mid-sixties while in school. It leaked from everywhere, was a beast to drive hard during dry conditions and worse in the rain or snow. Even then it was woefully underpowered at 60hp or so for 1500cc's. Other than being a lot of fun during the summer months there was not a lot positive to say about it while in Eugene. These new replicas have it all with weather protection only minimally better. The driving impressions are simply better - driveability, speed, handling, stopping. And bugs still stick to one's forehead!
Well said, Paul. Eddie
I've had a real one an an IM - IM handles/sops MUCH better and is a lot quicker/faster.
SJ SJ...
This little rascal is my fourth open air '356' A speedster, a convertible D and a twin grille roadster(356B) preceeded my Vintage. My roomate had a very nice '58 couple, normal. My best friend bought an old coupe that said 'Continental' on its fender when we were a year out of high school. I've been emersed in 356s most of my life.
I love them.
All, at best, were 'sporty'. Going back 35+ years they kicked some ass and required a bit of a beast behind the wheel to wring them out. But back then we were beating up MGAs or a four cylinder Austin Healy.
Serious drivers, in SCCA events, were vexing higher powered cars, but beating and vexing are two different things! I grew up in the era of the AC Cobra, dime-a-dozen Corvettes and an oddity called a BMW 2002tii...356 Porschefiles had to wait for the Can-Am series to thunder through Monterrey in order to go "Nanner,Nanner,Nanner" at the big boyzz that Porsche chewed up and spit out!
My 356B had a hand built and balanced engine with 118 HP according the guy I bought it from and it was considered pretty buffed.None of my old 356 Porsches hold a candle to this replicar in areas of power, handling, braking, but... when the transporter rolled my Vintage off the delivery truck and I hopped in to drive to my house IT WAS DEJA VOUS!!!
It sat right (I couldn't see out of it worth a shit), the shifter was right there at my knee as I recalled...the gauges are acceptable, the steering wheel felt good even though it was a modern wooden version and not that dainty Banjo that graced two of my cars... the tire were too skinny and felt funny the first time I tried to do a do-nut in our court.The engine sound was a little off, definitely VW at first, but hey it is a VW. But I was back in the saddle!
There is a certain pride of ownership that goes along with owning true classic machines, a mentality and probably a secret hand shake. But for my money there's enough Porshce in my garage.
Thank you, John and Henry and Kirk and all those who came before you and those as yet to field their version of the object d' art known as the speedster!
MM
This little rascal is my fourth open air '356' A speedster, a convertible D and a twin grille roadster(356B) preceeded my Vintage. My roomate had a very nice '58 couple, normal. My best friend bought an old coupe that said 'Continental' on its fender when we were a year out of high school. I've been emersed in 356s most of my life.
I love them.
All, at best, were 'sporty'. Going back 35+ years they kicked some ass and required a bit of a beast behind the wheel to wring them out. But back then we were beating up MGAs or a four cylinder Austin Healy.
Serious drivers, in SCCA events, were vexing higher powered cars, but beating and vexing are two different things! I grew up in the era of the AC Cobra, dime-a-dozen Corvettes and an oddity called a BMW 2002tii...356 Porschefiles had to wait for the Can-Am series to thunder through Monterrey in order to go "Nanner,Nanner,Nanner" at the big boyzz that Porsche chewed up and spit out!
My 356B had a hand built and balanced engine with 118 HP according the guy I bought it from and it was considered pretty buffed.None of my old 356 Porsches hold a candle to this replicar in areas of power, handling, braking, but... when the transporter rolled my Vintage off the delivery truck and I hopped in to drive to my house IT WAS DEJA VOUS!!!
It sat right (I couldn't see out of it worth a shit), the shifter was right there at my knee as I recalled...the gauges are acceptable, the steering wheel felt good even though it was a modern wooden version and not that dainty Banjo that graced two of my cars... the tire were too skinny and felt funny the first time I tried to do a do-nut in our court.The engine sound was a little off, definitely VW at first, but hey it is a VW. But I was back in the saddle!
There is a certain pride of ownership that goes along with owning true classic machines, a mentality and probably a secret hand shake. But for my money there's enough Porshce in my garage.
Thank you, John and Henry and Kirk and all those who came before you and those as yet to field their version of the object d' art known as the speedster!
MM
And knowing that the replica is a better car, I'd still like a 55-56 coupe. I wish someone made a coupe body, that would be the best solution.
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Yes, a coupe replica would be nice. Such beautiful lines.