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Gordon: Actually, there are six. I am beginning to wonder if some people think that if somebody does not show up on one of the SIG websites that they don't exist. I am planning on going over to SAS tomorrow to meet Bill Re. He does not belong to any of the forums so most folks wouldn't recognize his name and without a visit to the SAS website, would be unaware of his beautiful silver flaired cabrio.

Although not updated regularly, the "customer cars" page on their website has pictures of many of the cars that have been built in SAS's long history, including all six Tubarus. I wish they were turned out faster too, but the shop has its limitations....:-(

Hoss
ps. Well stated in your post John L. I hadn't thought of the cookie analogy.
The Other Side of the Coin

I think that one of the biggest advantages of not going with a mass produce car is the resale value, how many Vintage are for sale and how about the prices? How many vintage owners are willing to sell their cars?

I wandering in the hypothetic case of any owner of a SAS TUB want to sell it, How much will be the price.

So if you want a very special collective car, with probably one of the best resale value in the car replica market, you have to go in line and wait and suffer and take some risk, BTW I
Good question G.V. So far, no Tubarus have been up for resale, so it's hard to predict what they will go for. I suspect that when I get ready to sell mine, assuming that I haven't crashed and burned, it will be so worn out that it won't bring all that much. In other words, I'm keepin' it.
Hoss
ps. have we met?
Gentlemen,

After quietly watching all postings, and keeping track of the winges and whines, I have finally decided to put in my 2 cents: I am "in line" as well, behind Michael G., Nolan S., Stephen Pritchard, and I think GV. I have been on the list since May of last year, and am comfortable in the fact that there probably has not been a spanner (wrench) lifted towards my build in that time. I have even asked Stephen P during his last visit to SAS to check up on my name on the big board, and if it was actually moving up the list. To my pleasure, it was still holding its own!

Last summer, had the pleasure to meet John H, and Steve O at Carlisle, and afterwards ventured all the way to the SAS shop and signed on the dotted line for what will inevitably become the 3rd member of the yet to be formed the South Florida SAS Assn along with Nolan and GV.

I cannot honestly say I am happy with the build times, nor with someone else holding on to my hard earned $$ for a year just to secure a spot in line. But, my honest opinion is the car will be worth the wait in the long run. It is a shame in the States we have become a people of NOW now now, and there is no compromise. Currently based in Italy, I can tell you that if you go to ANY shop or vender here and start jumping up and down on why something takes so long- you can guarantee it just doubled your wait!

I have a great idea that I would like to propose to SAS, that if you whine about your build time...you have to move down the list below STeele! That would make great sense-no?

My biggest fear is not the build time, nor the builder holding onto my $$ prior to the start... The biggest worry is the drivers in South Florida talking on the phones while eating a BigMac, changing the CD, programming their GPS while zig-zagging through traffic at 80mph on I-95!

I am thinking about moving north to TN so I can drive on the Tail of the Dragon every weekend. John H, drop me a line when your neighbor decides to sell! There's no rush...I am willing to wait!

STeele
I am not trying to give SAW a hard time. I have seen Hoss's Cab and it's a very unique looking, well-made car.

However, I would be curious as to "how much" the "deposit" is to "get in line" for a SAW car. If it's a few hundred dollars, then that's certainly reasonable, but if it's more (like, say, over a thousand), then I think waiting two years (or more) while SAW controls your deposit money is not reasonable.

How long does it take to actually build a car from start to finish? Ten weeks? Six months? Hopefully, SAW asks for a small deposit to put you in line, then a more substantial amount when the build actually begins.

All the other replica manufacturers seem to operate this way, and manage to deliver cars in a timely (or at least predictable) manner.

Frankly, I'm surprised there are some guys who have waited more than two years after making deposits with SAW and still haven't even begun their construction yet. And, they're not only OK with it - they're accepting this situation as normal.

Ask yourself how you'd react if your custom home-builder did business like that.

Again, I'm not trying to run-down SAW. I just think their business model is potentially risky for those still waiting.
Sorry you feel that way about SAS John. It's been said before but I'll say it again. SAS builds from the ground up, meaning they do not have stacks of premade frames, chassis' or engines. Each frame is hand made, tested and approved before going onto the next step. The bodies are now being made in-house which takes time away from construction because of seam sandings and repairing molding defects. Engines and transmissions come from totaled Subaru Imprezas, Outbacks and Legacys, this can take time as each piece has to be inspected and tested before using. Unlike VW engines, these engines are computer controlled and changes often occur between model years which require changes in the computers and wiring harness' to delete unused sensor connections. Probably one of SAS's biggest faults is Steve Lawling's inability to let his engineering skills rest, as each car is built he incorporates new or better engineering such as increasing rear axle length to decrease wheel lifting until power turns and other points brought to his attention by past owners or his own road tests. I guess if someone is in a hurry they can go to McDonalds instead having a good sit-down meal at that upscaled restaurant, or instead of having a portrait painted a photo could be taken. Nuf' said about awaiting for good things and if you don't want to plunk down the deposit required then that's your business and not mine. As a SOC brother says "Peace Out!

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I have to step in to introduce myself. I am the the #2 car that was built by SAW silver with the flared fenders. I've driven the car for one season and sent it down to Steve for athe 165 2.5 rather than what I had , the 137. I just got back from Knoxville meeting Steve and Lisa for the first time. They both are very nice people and enjoyed having dinner with them on the last day of my stay ( 2days) I had other modifications done that I can elaborate when I receive my car which is set for pick up between now and Saturday. Steve is an artist doing something no one else is doing. His fault is giving a shorter time line than it takes. I have offered to give him my services as a business manager or as a potential purchaser of his business and spokesperson to the clients to ease the frustration of waiting. I will give a full detailed report when I have the car. But he is for real. I found him to be a gentleman and Lisa to be very charming, gracious and warm. I loved the car the first time and I know I'm going to love it more the 2nd time. He makes a great product! I haven't spoken up before because I'm not an assett to the forum because of time restraints in my job. There is actuually no time after the end of the day. Bill Re WILDBILLBOSTON>
BillyRe: It was your car I fell in love with! I wanted to go with your color scheme but didn't have the heart to be a copycat, the silver would be better down here in S. Florida than the BR Green that I settled on. When you get back to pick up your car can you look into mine and maybe Gonzo's? Pictures would be nice but don't go out of your way.

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Yes, my car supposedly went to paint two months ago, however, I'm still optimistic on its outcome. I've done painting before and had a number of unforeseen problems that occurred. Fogging was a major problem which can occur when temp and humidity aren't right. Another problem that can extend the time to complete a good paint job is runs in the paint. Runs can be sanded out after the paint has dried properly. I don't know what the hang up in the paint shop is but if it's to insure a perfect job then I rather wait a little longer than accept a shoddy spray job. I know the finish on the two SAS cars I've personally seen were immaculate and want mine to be the same. NO I haven't paid the final invoice if that really concerns anyone other than me, Steve hasn't asked for yet but I would have no problem paying it up front if necessary.

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Rick, you apparently don't know about "East Tennessee time." At best, things don't happen real fast around here. This, and an assortment of other supplier problems all of our builders face (Henry included by his own admission), makes build processes extremely long. And Specialty Auto-Sports is and remains a very small outfit.

The body that just came back from paint is a torch red Cabriolet....Yeah baby! I am not acquainted with the customer associated with this car although I have met several of the others, right Nolan?

I know exactly how the folks in the queue must feel. I was pulling my hair out waiting for my car. It will get finished, believe me.
Hoss
Rick: I didn't mean to sound so touchy, might be the meds I'm on for my leg also the long wait. SAS/SAW is a reputable outfit and Steve wants to be as optimistic as he can be but not all trains arrive on time. My Doctor said I can start stressing my leg and get back to bowling, so now my mindset is on that. The time has actually flown by for me, but when you're my age years seem like months and months seem like weekends. I really do expect my car to be done within the next 45-60 days so I'm checking on flights to Knoxville and looking over different insurance companies.

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The other "East Tennessee trait" is big story telling..... and I have heard many stories on the (car is almost finished) longer and taller than I could of ever wished for.
I think waiting for two plus years is beyond the call of duty. Am I frustrated? you bet I am. I do have the right to complain once and a while and now is one of those times. Wow! that felt good.....Michael
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