CMC

Hello. I am brand new to this site and new to almost purchasing a CMC speedster replica. Can anyone provide me any info on CMC and what to look for when purchasing a replica car. I have found a car on ebay that is in good shape (mechanically, electrical, engine, trans, etc.) the ar could use a paint job and new wheels. It is a CMC replica with a 74 bug 1600 and underpinings. I am told the body and interior are in great shape. The current owner says the car could be a 10 with new paint, windshield and wheels. He says it runs like a top with no issues.

Can the experts out there point out anything I am missing and what to look for? I appreciate all and any advice.
Are parts still available for this car?

Thanks
Chip

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-356-Speedster-Replica_W0QQitemZ160393011969QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item25582b2301

Chip, I would be a little wary of this one unless the purchase price is really attractive. I assume by what you are saying you have not seen the car personally which always requires great caution when contemplating a purchase. It sounds like you are relying to a great extent on what the seller is telling you and he does not seem to know very much about the car (eg. engine displacement). Also, I think it is a stretch to say it would be a "10" with the updates he is suggesting. Yes, parts are available as well as plenty of techno advice from the gang here, but some tasks may be more difficult than you might think; Replacing a windshield, for example, can be tricky if you haven't done it before.

Personally, would not consider a home built car unless I knew who built it and trusted the ability of that person. There are many nice cars that come up for sale on this website, often cars that are known by members of the community. Depending on your desires and pocketbook, you may choose to look a little further.

If your handy with a wrench jump on it. Parts are CHEAP!

Thanks for the tips. I have owned a "real" 1979 Porsche 930 years back, but I am completly new to the replica world and the speedster model. I was curious if you guys thought this car was unusally cheap or if the price was average with what you have seen. The guy will not move off of 8k. I offered 7850 and he turned me down. He claims he drives it all the time and just did a 1300 mile trip in the car with no problems. He has come upon times (economy) and is selling a motorcycle also.

I have to be careful, I have done some research on this site and see that he is a memeber. Back in Dec. 23, he posted this car for sale with an asking price of 9500.

Thanks for all advice to this timid buyer.

Also, should I be scared of Fiber Fab (CMC)?!?!

On this site I have seen that the majority of kit cars are professional builds? At this point being in nashville, TN all I can go on is his word and he says it runs fantastic straight and true. He said if the weather was right he would not have any issues getting in the car in FL and driving to CA.

Chip,
Welcome to the site.
First, read this: https://www.speedsterowners.com/reviews/newbies.asp
If you have no experience with these cars I suggest you find a member close enough so you can check one out in person. They're not for everyone as you see quite a few back on the market after someone followed a dream and realized it didn't measure up. These cars are a far cry from a 930.
That said, picking up a used one for a reasonable price and playing around with it for a while is a good way to determine if a speedster is right for you. The used ones hold their value quite well and, after a year or so, you can sell it and buy a new one spec'd the way you want it.
Buying a used one (sometimes. even a new one) will test your character sometimes as these things aren't Miatas - they need attention quite often. The good thing is they're relatively inexpensive to maintain as long as your mechanically inclined or you have an experienced air-cooled mechanic close by.
Whatever you decide, you found the right place. There are a number of folks here eager to give you advice and help spend your money. ;)
$8500.00 is not a bad price but it's worth the airfare to check it out.
I'd check out Vince Manto's fat boy CMC. Nice car, nice guy. https://www.speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=17992

"Also, should I be scared of Fiber Fab (CMC)?!?!"



No....have fun....

Good price - the raw kit sans chassis and engine was that in 1990 (plus shipping).

My rule of thumb, if it runs and drives but an older build, expect to spend another 50% on decent rehab ...been there many times. i.e. assuming that the chassis, motor etc are in good condition.
From the interior photo, it will probably need a complete interior upgrade and paint... those two items alone are going to relieve you of at least $2,500. I would say it's worth $6k. ~Alan

From an expert opinion... If the car gets new chrome fuchs, new paint job and interior, assuming everything is close to a 10, what could a Fiber Fab kit in excellent condition bring. The question I am getting at is will I lose a lot of money on this car. I would eventually like to make this or any car i buy as close to perfect as possible but if the Fiber Fab kit is going to hold down my return on value then maybe I should put the money in another kit company?

Yes, yes I lknow cars are not investments but I would hate to buy this, put 4k in (total of 12k) and try to sell in 5 years (as a 10) and only be looking at 6-8k.

Values can vary greatly, a lot depends on the motor size and how a CMC build is done, who the manufacture is, a factory built turn key or personal build. A higher end quality body prep and paint as well as attention to detail will bump up the value some. One major mistake is to buy parts wherever you first locate them. Taking your time to find the good deals both from fellow speedster owners and eBay, can keep you closer to being on budget.
A finished higher quality build tends to bring between $11k and $18k. Maybe you'll have a better perspective by going to my files here. The white one a custom, sold for $22.5k, the red flamed flared speedster $19.5K and the black 2001 Vintage Speedster (a used turn key) sold local for $18.5.
If you are patient good turn key deals pop up but do sell quickly and you avoid the headache of major wrenching.
Finally, it's been suggested many times before to buy a decent running speedster and enjoy it for while, sort out what you like and dislike and use this acquired information for a future purchase.
As some one else mentioned Vince's flared speedster is just the ticket. ~Alan

https://www.speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=17992