Does the CMC drive like a Beetle??

I have at my disposal a 90% complete CMC Speedster C on an IRS chassis, adjustable beam, a tame motor, and drum brakes. The price is right (free) and I know the builder (my dad).

I grew up a VW/Porsche guy having owned a '61 356 cabro, a euro '66 bug, and a '67 bug beater. That was 20+ years ago. Since then I have owned 944's and an early 911. I like the way P casrs drive, esp the rear engined variety.

My plan for the Speedster would be to do 944 brakes, 5 bolt fuchs, 944 trailing arms, etc. In short, upgrade the stock chassis/brakes and drive it locally.

Cars have come a long way in the last 20 years. There is room for only one toy in my garage and as I said, the price is right. But my fear is that I end up with an old whore in a fancy new dress.

So what is the REAL deal on how these things drive?

Thanks in advance,
Adam

Dude,
I don't think you will be happy with an "OLD WHORE" go back to the P cars. Even if your dad sounds like a cool guy, you sound like a punk.

How they drive depends on how they're built, what parts are used, etc. Some are old Beetles with a bit less mass to move around, while others are better than the original Porsches. I suggest you drive it, and decide if fixing those characteristics that aren't up to your standards is something you're interested in. You might want to beg a ride in a nicely set up one to see what is possible.

Adam---lane is correct.

My Vintage Speedster is a pan-based car so it is built on a Bug
foundation. It bears zero resemblance to a Bug either in the way it drives or the way it sounds. Night and day. ---Jack

Dave, you're so harsh...

Here's my take although I don't own a Speedster but, I've driven many different models as I repair them along with Spyders.

Virtually every re-bodied car I've driven with a VW foundation doesn't feel like a VW. In just about every case, they handle better due first off to better tires, a lower center of gravity and usually some tweaking to the suspension components.

Engines are a big consideration and a nice stout engine does wonders to eliminate the VW bug feel. It's not a Porsche but, given the right equipment it will handle as well or better than most stock 356 cars especially if it has an IRS rear set up.

Yeah, I guess I came off harsh, I apologize to all. But what I read sounded pretty arrogant and brought out the Irish in me. I try to be adult but some times thoughtless language sets me off. I strongly believe how you talk to someone is important, when you are writing it is even more important because we can't hear the inflections, joking around, and regional language differences.

So Adam since its free give it a try and see if you enjoy it. For my part I will try to adopt a more tolerant attitude and give you the benefit of doubt that you were not trying to be offensive.

I think most of us have driven our share of sports cars, VW's, Porsche's and otherwise. I know I had a pretty good Idea what I was getting into when I bought my IM I was pleasantly surprised by the handling of my vw wrapped in a 356 fiberglass body. The ride is different than a bug, lower center of gravity and more power as Larry says.

Grab it and get it on the road for as few $$ as possible and try it out. Then upgrade some but don't go crazy with the upgrades because it will always be a privative sports car. You can always move on to something else but you might just be hooked once you try on the Speedster.


Peace Out
Dave

Adam,

Get the car and finish it. If you don't like it, sell it and use the money for what you want.

Either way, welcome to the madness!
angela

Steve has it right. At the PCA there are a few different types. Those with more money than brains that buy the most powerful and keep their mechanics close by..........those that are just good people and drive everything from ancient to new and modified and just "appreciate" cars and those that want the comradery that only car bonding can bring. Which are you? As with the third Indiana Jones.........chose wisely and whatever suits you. Despite the "hot rod" nature, these cars are about driving something different that those with endless dough don't want. They are cool to "some" people and definitely kids who have not seen anything like them. I think we all with them have "limited" money and enjoy a relatively cheap "unique" car. If you won the lotto, act like those dufus sports guys and buy and new GT. The rest of us wait for them to get tired of them and buy them second or third round or buy a replica. The good news is that when Hollywood wants a "unique" car to showcase other than those rice rockets, (John of Cinncinnati, Doc Hollywood, etc.) they use "replicas".

Dave---I appreciated your last post. Good job and solid information.---Jack

Sound advice, guys. I appreciate it.

The reason I asked in the first place is that somewhere I've read both sides of the story. I'll likely move forward and take over the project from my dad.

/Adam

there isn't anything on your project that one of us hasn't already done, so we can help you the whole way.

Adam, the opportunity to finish your father's work will make the job rewarding, even if the car itself winds up not meeting expectations. The more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it.
I wouldn't trade my experiences with my car for all the tea in China.
I drove it halfway across the country to let my Dad have a go at it, and that was absolutely the coolest day I've had with it yet.

no, more like a Go-Cart on steroids, with it's testicles tied off!!