Fitment

I hate to say it, but at 6'6" your head will be well above the windshield.  They aren't made for tall folks.

Maybe. Are you 6'6" and 400 lbs or 6'6" and 180lbs? Post your city and state maybe someone will let you sit in one. And yes, they can be modified by lowering the seat tray and tilting it back.

_{^{Kindly disregard the previous statement.}}

Robert - It’s a Spyder he’s talking about, there are no modifications on the seat tray, and the engine is already in the driver’s tailbone. He says he’s lean, but I don’t care if he’s 130 lbs- he’s not gonna’ fit.

David- I feel you, brother, but it’s “tough love from Uncle Stan” time: you won’t fit. There’s nobody here who wants a Spyder more than I do. I’m only 6’ tall, but long torsoed and thick- regardless, It's not even close. There are lean 6 footers who can make it with just the right combination of seat pitch, being uncomfortable, and crouching behind the windshield - but nobody taller who doesn’t look like a bear on a tricycle.

Look at my avatar- there’s a reason I chose it.

Thanks everyone. I am in Austin,Texas if someone is near by.

Is the speedster a better fitment for me or am I just out of luck with this group of vehicles?

You might have more luck with a Speedster.  Even better, if you can find a used Intermeccanica Convertible D, it's basically a Speedster with a taller windshield, better top, and roll-up windows.  They're generally pretty pricey though.

@Lane Anderson posted:

You might have more luck with a Speedster.  Even better, if you can find a used Intermeccanica Convertible D, it's basically a Speedster with a taller windshield, better top, and roll-up windows.  They're generally pretty pricey though.

Yeah, 60k is the budget. I am waiting on a call back from Beck to see what they think will fit me the best.

@Daniel Dvoskin posted:

Yeah, 60k is the budget. I am waiting on a call back from Beck to see what they think will fit me the best.

https://www.facebook.com/photo...;set=a.3340408061600

No idea on the price of this Roadster.

@Daniel Dvoskin posted:

Thanks everyone. I am in Austin,Texas if someone is near by.

Is the speedster a better fitment for me or am I just out of luck with this group of vehicles?

You're out of luck with a Spyder, for sure. Lane's right - you could fit (barely) in a customized Convertible D. You won't fit an off-the-rack speedster.

@Stan Galat posted:

You're out of luck with a Spyder, for sure. Lane's right - you could fit (barely) in a customized Convertible D. You won't fit an off-the-rack speedster.

Well this makes me a bit sad. Guess all have to appreciate from afar. Ill still talk to Beck see what they say. But thanks for the info.

They're tiny cars, David. You could fit in a 356 replica, assuming the builder was working with you. A 356 has the fore/aft space for your legs - it's really just a question of the distance between your butt and the top of your head.

Looking over the top of the windshield is not pleasant.

@Stan Galat posted:

They're tiny cars, David. You could fit in a 356 replica, assuming the builder was working with you. A 356 has the fore/aft space for your legs - it's really just a question of the distance between your butt and the top of your head.

Looking over the top of the windshield is not pleasant.

Didnt think about the 356. Ill look more into it.

Carey from Beck can make you a Conv D. That’s definitely your best option. But I think the wait for a new one is 2.5 years and maybe longer.

Not sure you can get a new one for $60k. I priced one at $65k with Suby power about 2 years ago. Did not go through with it. Probably more if you ordered one now.  

I think you would fit in a speedster if you just deleted the top and decided you could eat a few bugs. But Conv D is ideal.

Slim pickings for a big guy! Hoss Cartwright (Bonanza's BIG Guy) had a Perry D Spyder replica.  Still made but not many around.  Most will say proportions don't look correct.  It fits on full size VW pan.  You can lower the seat max ~3" on pan based car or lay the seat back (most have one piece seat with no recline, some just tilt back.  A rare (equally unliked by many) CMC 359 is 5" longer than a Speedster but might be used in engine compartment.

I suspect Beck could lengthen a Speedster (Lane's Coupe got 3" added) but now it's getting really cu$tomized.

Hard tonneau removeable (was option) on 359 replica.  Looks like more space between door nd rear fender well? A custom non-vw pan would give more room as would lowered floor pan with reclinable seats. 

@550 Phil posted:

Carey from Beck can make you a Conv D. That’s definitely your best option. But I think the wait for a new one is 2.5 years and maybe longer.

Not sure you can get a new one for $60k. I priced one at $65k with Suby power about 2 years ago. Did not go through with it. Probably more if you ordered one now.  

I think you would fit in a speedster if you just deleted the top and decided you could eat a few bugs. But Conv D is ideal.

Yup, thats who I am waiting for a call back from.

For what it’s worth, I’m 6’4” and weigh anbout 215 and the 550 was just out of the question.  There just isn’t any room to move the seat back.  That’s when I went on a 356a replica hunt.   This will be my second year with a 356 and what a great choice.  I easily fit in the car and I believe you would too.  I have to scoot the seat up 4-5 clicks.  My inseam is 34”  and you would probably fit without any seat modifications.  And even if you needed to modify I think they would be relatively easy.  I say you need to start looking at the speedsters.   Much more room, and just as zippy with the right engine.  

Carey ( @chines1) can walk you through your options, but lengthening the car as a whole would require a new body - seriously expensive.  The Coupe I had was 2" longer in the wheelbase, but as a mid-engine car it was still tight for me at <6".  The rear-engine version is much more spacious.  Still, the lure of the open Speedster is strong and I have seen them make mods to the floor and/or seat orientation to accommodate big guys like you. Don't give up yet.

@Daniel Dvoskin posted:

Yup, thats who I am waiting for a call back from.

I have your number on my desk and can try to call you this afternoon or end of the day.  I was in the shop until late last night finishing up a project and today isn't looking any lighter...

Quick answer,  no, at 6'6" you won't fit in a Spyder, and as mentioned above the Spyder is already maxed out on ways we can add space.  

I have done Speedsters for clients 6'4" and 6'6" in the past on Gen 1 chassis, and I have more room to play with on the Gen 2 chassis already, so I know that won't be an issue. BUT you have to realize that no matter what I alter it is still a small, 1950s era car.  In addition, for this much modification we'd either have to have you visit or take a ton of measurements, as we have to consider everything from arm reach to shoe size when doing a build like this.

Material costs alone are up 70% compared to 2 years ago, so @550 Phil 's numbers are a bit outdated is all.   Aircooled Speedster would just be in your mentioned budget.  Anything Subaru powered or a D would be 15-25% over your budget.

We're sold out deep into 2026 at this time and there is no sign of things slowing down.

Carey @ Beck

No domestic builder is going to lengthen a body, gentlemen. None of them.

It's these kinds of pipe-dream suggestions that do new guys a great disservice by planting seeds of possibility where there is no chance of growing anything. Please, just stop it.

Is it possible? Sure. Is it ever going to happen? No.

@chines1 posted:

I have your number on my desk and can try to call you this afternoon or end of the day.  I was in the shop until late last night finishing up a project and today isn't looking any lighter...

Quick answer,  no, at 6'6" you won't fit in a Spyder, and as mentioned above the Spyder is already maxed out on ways we can add space.  

I have done Speedsters for clients 6'4" and 6'6" in the past on Gen 1 chassis, and I have more room to play with on the Gen 2 chassis already, so I know that won't be an issue. BUT you have to realize that no matter what I alter it is still a small, 1950s era car.  In addition, for this much modification we'd either have to have you visit or take a ton of measurements, as we have to consider everything from arm reach to shoe size when doing a build like this.

Material costs alone are up 70% compared to 2 years ago, so @550 Phil 's numbers are a bit outdated is all.   Aircooled Speedster would just be in your mentioned budget.  Anything Subaru powered or a D would be 15-25% over your budget.

We're sold out deep into 2026 at this time and there is no sign of things slowing down.

Carey @ Beck

Hey, thanks for getting back to me! Thanks for the information. I am glad you guys are doing so well. Yes, I agree the best way would be for me to visit your location. I currently live in Texas and my wife is about to deliver so this might be off by a little amount of time but at least I know which car to focus on now.

Forewarned is forearmed.

@Daniel Dvoskin   i thought i'd give my 2 cents.....have you considered a coupe?...i'm 6'2" and barely fit in my coupe...another 4 " could be problematic ....i have to get in & out like a girl...but once seated i can drive pretty comfortably and have driven long distances free of unbearable torture....plus having roof over my head is better with these low windshields that makes me feel a bit safer....my one complaint is my long legs wont allow the "heel/toe" canyon carving technique since my knees are in a bent position right next to the steering wheel.....but such is life....like the boys say...these are little cars...which is indisputable ....here's a couple photos to put things in some scale...best of luck and happy motoring

@jncspyder posted:

@Daniel Dvoskin   i thought i'd give my 2 cents.....have you considered a coupe?...i'm 6'2" and barely fit in my coupe...another 4 " could be problematic ....i have to get in & out like a girl...but once seated i can drive pretty comfortably and have driven long distances free of unbearable torture....plus having roof over my head is better with these low windshields that makes me feel a bit safer....my one complaint is my long legs wont allow the "heel/toe" canyon carving technique since my knees are in a bent position right next to the steering wheel.....but such is life....like the boys say...these are little cars...which is indisputable ....here's a couple photos to put things in some scale...best of luck and happy motoring

I am open to the idea. Just not sure id fit with a helmet on since i want to do light track duty with these cars

This is me (6’4”) in the speedster with seat fully back.  I can barely get the clutch in all the way and my arm is fully extended.  I need to move the seat forward because I’m not tall enough to operate the car with the seat clear back.    Granted, I put the seat clear back for exit and entry but I’m a skinny guy and I can still snake in if I don’t.   Once your in it’s good.  Second gear on the shifter knob can get real close to your knee.  

@Cartod posted:

This is me (6’4”) in the speedster with seat fully back.  I can barely get the clutch in all the way and my arm is fully extended.

Have you made adjustments to the seat such as tilting it back? You add spacers under the front of the seat to get increase the angle. You can also cut out the floor pans and lower the portion where the seat rails set to lower the seat height also.

@Robert M posted:

Have you made adjustments to the seat such as tilting it back? You add spacers under the front of the seat to get increase the angle. You can also cut out the floor pans and lower the portion where the seat rails set to lower the seat height also.

Nothing needs adjusted I’m just saying at my height 6-4 I need to move the seat up.  So at 6-6 he should almost fit fine.   He needs to sit in a speedster.

@Cartod posted:

He needs to sit in a speedster.

Bingo.

@Cartod posted:

This is me (6’4”) in the speedster with seat fully back.  I can barely get the clutch in all the way and my arm is fully extended.

Well ever hear of training wheels and pedals

That's really encouraging guys, guess I have to shift my mentality to a speedster which is great because they are beautiful cars.

Wait til drive one!  

@Daniel Dvoskin posted:

I am open to the idea. Just not sure id fit with a helmet on since i want to do light track duty with these cars

Unless by "light track duty" you mean autocross, you won't be allowed on track. Or those "track teaser" events which limit you to 60 mph or so(which I don't understand bothering with at all).

You need a roll cage that is triangulated, 5 or 6 point harnesses, helmet, arm restraints, etc. if you want to do HPDE.

@DannyP posted:

Unless by "light track duty" you mean autocross, you won't be allowed on track. Or those "track teaser" events which limit you to 60 mph or so(which I don't understand bothering with at all).

You need a roll cage that is triangulated, 5 or 6 point harnesses, helmet, arm restraints, etc. if you want to do HPDE.

Yeah, i want to do HPDEs with it. Well I guess we will have to see if we can fit me and a roll cage in it. Ive seen some speedsters with it online.

My advice is to get some other dedicated track toy or maybe a modern Porsche to do HPDE with.

Keep the Speedster for cruising and/or hooning(uh oh, the anti-hoon police are gonna come out in force now!)

Danny's got the right idea.  My (former) Coupe would have been great on the track if I could have fit into it properly, and I spec'd it with roll bar, head rests, and 4-point harnesses for that purpose, but even then it would have been far less safe than a modern car.  I wouldn't have considered taking my Speedster before that onto a track. Swing axles and no safety structure were fun on back roads at 7/10s, but no, not on a track at 10/10s - at least not without a lot of work (fuel cell, roll cage, etc.).

I'd add a fire system, HANS device, full-face helmet, 5 or 6 point harness, and arm restraints to Lane's list.