I have been to the mountain

Just got back from a week in Vancouver and paid a visit to Henry. His cars are awesome. There were two dove gray speedsters being finished. One had a 911 frame which enabled the owner to put in a 911 engine. And was being finished as a carrera with a red interior. The other had an interior that was green????
The attention to detail was great. Now if I could only justfy spending the $$$$.

What's to justify? Would your family starve, have no roof over their heads, or otherwise be deprived? Are you going to bury the money in your back yard in fruit jars, or do you plan on taking it with you when you die? Life is short, pardner; belly up to the bar and enjoy it while you still can. Dead is cold, dark, and forever - and to all of us it comes too soon.

The makers section of the site states that IM prices start at "under $25,000." It appears that most of the people who buy IM's don't go bare bones, much less Speedsters. What if you did? You would still get a high quality car with most of the virtues you owners seem to be so happy about, right? I guess what I'm asking is a basic Caddy better than a high end Chevy? (which is probably not a very good analogy) Would a potential owner be terribly disappointed if he didn't go full boat?
John H.

EVERYTHING Henry builds at IM adheres to the same basic quality standards. If you bought a bare-bones "Coach" Speedster rolling chassis with no engine or transaxle it would be every bit as well built and nicely finished as my high-end "Roadster RS' convetible "D" replica. I think disappointment lies in getting something you don't want, or being impatient and settling for second-best, neither of which would I ever do with a car, a yacht, or a woman.

(Message Edited 8/30/2002 2:22:42 PM)

I can agree with everything, except the definition of death... I see it as something quite different than cold and dark... But yes, you won't get to take any cash.

Jack,
Thanks for saying that, but I would put my reply to your statement on the anything goes section, and I'm not sure how well my thoughts would be received.
John H.
still kickin' ducks

When I spoke to a representative at IM last spring I was quoted $27,000 plus change for a basic speedster. When I got their spec sheet it said a 2100 cc motor would be an additional $4500. I bought a VS for the same reason I'd buy a Subaru WRX over a BMW 3 series, same "bang" for my buck.

What's more, even upon close inspection only, 1 in a million can tell the difference! In my opinion, if you spent that money on VS upgrades you'd have more car... I shop at Target for my paper goods and hygiene supplies rather than the grocery store. Call me frugal.

I've just taken delivery of my IM. Added approximately 80 miles and feel gooooooooooooood. Everyone should find the builder and model they are most comfortable with and enjoy. What ever you select get as much power as you can afford. POWER=FUN....Drive Friendly, don't swerve.....

In my heart of hearts, I think I would really like the best Speedster money can buy, but in my pocket of pockets, I picked a used VS. Someone gave me some advice before I purchased, I don't even remember who it was, to buy a decent one, even one a little ratty; You will truly love these cars. I don't think my 2000 VS quite falls into the "ratty" category, but it was a compromise. I think my car is great fun, but maybe someday I'd like an even nicer one. Dreams are cheap, and boys' toys aren't. So, spend as much as you have and can justify to yourself.
my 2 kroner
John H.

(Message Edited 8/31/2002 1:58:10 PM)

Jim, Are you a motivational speaker? If not, maybe you should consider it! Tim.

I only meant to say I have been to IM and they build nice cars.

I already own a 2001 VS I built myself, engine too. It's paid for. I can pay more attention to detail than any builder because i'm not trying to crank out cars. I don't care what make they are I love em all.

I've seen slatinsky's car. A beautiful VS, silver with a red interior. I've admired it and appreciate his attention to detail. If I ever get a new Speedster, it will be just like his.

Regarding what to buy, what to spend, etc... I don't concern myself with any of that. I bought a used IM and it's great. I spent less the $10G's to get in the game and for me that's cool. I drive it (when I can) and someone else's works on it (when it needs it). I have to agree with Jim Ward, for me it truly is 90% experience and 10% everything else. Trust me, my IM isn't top-notch, that said, once I get on the highway with it or just cruise up and down Woodward Ave. (In Detroit) all the details about what my car is or isn't goes out the window (if the car had windows). It's all about the moment!

ps - Slatinsky, if you ever want to trade let me know :o)

I like all of them... especially my own VS. I also like the JPS that John Leader has... in fact I think that is about the best planned and balanced car in our registry. And, IMs? What can I say? They are terrific. But, waiting 6-8 months just to get one started, at a cost of $34,000 (same options as my VS except Roll Ups & frame).... well, for me personally, it was hard to justify at the time. Do I still lust for one? You betchum. Will I ever chuck up the coin for an IM Speedster? Maybe. But with three in college, well.... And you know something else? Even in variable weather Okra-homa I drive my VS more than my marriage allows (kidding, she supports my toys, but I do run the redline sometimes). And even without roll-ups, or a tubular frame it rides, performs, and handles at the limits of what I care to do with a "vintage" styled and "tech'd" car. To me, it's 90% the 'experience' of driving something that makes me smile everytime I start it... the other 10% leads me to continuing to improve it with more performance, better detailing, etc.

Flared CMCs? Love 'em. IM 1959 'Vert D's? Love 'em. JPS, VS, classics? Really love them! 1600cc stockers? I see the beauty in that choice. 21/22/23** cc strokers? I can really see the raw beauty in that. Mid ranged 1641-1776-1825-1914s? They make so much sense that I am always interested in hearing about different parts/enhancements that blend with these engines. Kits? I often considered that. Buying used? Ditto. Outlaw style... I love the genre, but prefer classic. Flared? Badazz... but I love my classic.

Bottom line, spend your way to whatever makes you smile... I did. If I couldn't have afforded what I bought, well I would have scanned the ads until I found a used one.... these cars are addictive, aren't they? Congratulations to _____ Slatinsky, I am anxious to see pictures of your car. And welcome to the mountain.... We've all been there in our own way.

Speedster Lover
Jim OKC (STL Temp)

(Message Edited 9/6/2002 11:31:34 AM)

"What's more, even upon close inspection only, 1 in a million can tell the difference!" Who cares if the tire kickers at a car show car can tell the difference or not? I can tell the difference (and to me that's all that matters), especially when I'm powering through a twisty backroad off-camber ess-curve (not something I would do in a swing axle replica). Or washing the car and looking at the reflections from the paint. Or closing the door and hearing a solid "ker-chunk" instead of a "clack".

While the IM is certainly "vintage styled", with a tubular frame, 4 wheel disk brakes, IRS rear suspension, ball-joint front end, rack and pinion steering, gas shocks, better weight distribution, modern radial tires, and front/rear anti-sway bars it's not exactly "vintage tech".

Everyone has different taste and a different budget; the two JPS Speedsters I've seen were quite nicely done, and the several VS Speedsters I saw (and two I drove) were just OK. But the two IRS/tubular frame IM's I saw (and one I drove) made a believer of me, based on the big "IF" of whether or not you can afford the extra cost; luckily the dollars weren't an issue for me.

(Message Edited 9/10/2002 4:44:19 PM)

"the two JPS Speedsters I've seen were quite nicely done, and the several VS Speedsters I saw (and two I drove) were just OK. But the two IRS/tubular frame IM's I saw (and one I drove) made a believer of me, based on the big "IF" of whether or not you can afford the extra cost; luckily the dollars weren't an issue for me."

Gee, George, you lull me into thinking you are a pretty good dude, and you go and do that Jerry Falwell thing again, haha. Actually, I kinda like you, in spite bro.
Keep on posting, and I'll keep on reading past the ego feeds to find the real Gems of knowledge you share on the good days.

Jim

VS owner who regognizes quaility in all three manufacturers and feels VS actually puts out a great car.... without having that fact effecting my esteem levels. PS, yes, George, IM puts out an outstanding product.... prrrrrrrrrrr.


(Message Edited 9/11/2002 10:57:06 PM)

I always thought that the speedster was a stripped down , light weight, no frills, open air, base car to build a racer on. I really dont understand why some people think that the more luxury options they can hang on, or none original features they can add ( weight) the better it makes their car. Eddie

Eddie, oddly enough the Speedster was stripped down to offer an inexpensive "entry level" car rather than a racer. Max Hoffman wanted something less expensive than the coupe and convertible to sell in the USA; the cars became popular in racing because they had superior power-to-weight ratios and better brakes than the other cars in SCCA F and E production classes.

In the winter I really like the improved comfort, visibility, and weather protection offered by my convertible "D" replica. I drove a real '56 1600 Super Speedster for two years as daily transportation and comfort, visibility, and weather protection WERE THE PITS.

(Message Edited 9/16/2002 4:12:49 PM)