IM Speedster vs Roadster

I have been considering a 356 for some time. Have decided on a replica instead of a restored original for many of the reasons outlined on this forum. While III am reserving final judgement on Beck vs IM until I can visit both, I'm strongly considering IM.

What I need help with is whether to go with the IM speedster or "roadster". I like the looks of the speedster but the convenience of the roadster (roll up windows, ect) is appealing. What do people think?

Thanks,
Richard

IM Speedsters can be had with roll up (or electric) windows to replace the side curtains; they greatly improve visibility and weather protection but don't look original. Henry can fit either the high-bow or low-bow top to IM Speedsters, and you have your choice of Speedster bucket or coupe-type seats for greater comfort. Also consider an ESPAR gas heater - this gives you freedom from the usual inefficient heater box arrangement and allows any exhaust system without heater boses to be used.

I have an Intermeccanica Speedster and love it. A great friend has the IM Roadster and loves his. I think that a major factor is how often you will drive it and the weather you will be driving in. When the top is up, the size of the side windows and the rear window on a speedster severely limit what you can see. The rear view mirrors aren't much help. The Roadster is far superior visibility wise in "top up" situations. Driving with the top up in a Speedster can be claustraphobic, and stressful when in traffic.

The rear window can be unzipped which may be a benefit on hot/sunny days. Use the top as a "sun shade" and the air can still circulates thru the car.

Top down, you can't go wrong with either!

I agree with Dale and George. I wouldn't trade my Speedster now for anything. Top down . . . there's nothing like it. Top up . . . and it can get a little scary in traffic with soccer moms in their Escalades, sipping Starbucks and an ear in the cell phone. The Roadster I believe is quite a bit more weather proof though it's probably a matter of small degrees.

I believe that the IM Speedster and Roadster are identical in every way except for the height of the windshield and the top.
Ron

The roadster windshield appears to go up higher then the speedster....if this is the case, do you guys think that a tall person would be better off with the roadster? I guess what I'm asking is, do you sit lower down from the top of the windshield on a roadster? I'm only 5'10" so I don't think it would make any difference for me, but maybe a with a taller person it would make a difference......am I crazy?

Steven, You don't sound crazy, just concerned. I remember reading somewhere that the height of the front windshield is about 3" taller on the Roadster than the Speedster. Side windows probably similar difference. The Roadster is indeed better suited for taller drivers. The (leave as is), (leave as is) site says 6'3" tall fits. I cant image a 6'3" person in the speedster with the top up. I am 5'10" and have to bend more than just my neck to look out the side window when the top is up. I have the roadster seats, speedster seat bottoms are lower. The tall person would fit with the high bow top up but they would have a hard time seeing out in ANY direction. The (leave as is), (leave as is) side windows (glass) probably give 2-3 inches more side viewable area than the side curtains. The Roadster, with the top up, is a better "drive in traffic" car. Keep the top down, and drive a speedster!

Thank you all for your very helpful commrnts!

WOW Ron was posting at the same time as I was typing, and the information is about the same thing.....spooky isn't it...I think everyone would agree the speedster is a little better looking, but as far as driving ease the roadster is a little better because of the visibility.....I wouldn't consider the speedster if it wasn't with glass roll ups, but other then that my preference is the speedster

Steven:

What do you mean 'only 5'10"'??? That's tall to me :-) I have good visibility in my Roadster.

Here's a picture of the glass windows in a Speedster.

The IM convertible "D" replica (Roadster) windshield is about 2" higher. IM Speedster tops are not (or haven't been) available with zip out rear windows; only the Roadster top has that feature.

I'm 6'4" and ordered the low-bow top on my new IM Speedster and Henry assures me I'll have some headroom clearance; probably due to the low seat mounting. There was plenty of clearance in my IM "D".

If you're tall, the main hassle with Speedster or Roadster top is getting in and out of the car when the top is up.

I am 6'2" and drive a roadster.I think if you are going to drive the car with the top up very often then the roadster is the way to go unless you live in an area of little traffic. My visibility is excellent given the larger windshield area as well as side windows and a considerably larger rear window. The zip out rear window is also a nice feature. I think with the top down the speedster is better looking but I love to drive my car and living in the Boston area I drive more with the top up than down. The better visibility is critical given the driving skills of Boston drivers. My two cents

George,
How about some updated pictures?

If you are tall, and choose a Speedster, you are better off with the Speedster seats. With a Speedster that has Roadster seats, a tall person looks funny - your head is above the windshield and you just plain look too big for the car.

I'm 6'2" and have driven a number of IMs, both Speedsters and Roadsters, with both Speedster and Roadster seats (though never a Roadster with Speedster seats). As has already been said, when driving a Speedster with the top up, it is very difficult to see out the side windows. This is a safety issue as that is how you check for traffic when at a stop sign. It's possible, but difficult.

It's great to say only drive with the top down, but except for those in California and Florida, it's just no possible all the time.

Dave, I see you live in Boston. Do you have AC on your IM? What engine did you choose? I live in NJ and I am still deciding to go with ac or not. The weather in Boston is not that different than NJ. So from your note, you do drive in boston with the top up. If so, do you use the ac or do you just have the windows open and the rear window down. Also, what color did you paint the car. Thank you

Paul, I have to say if you still haven't decided on the AC you should go ahead and get it......nobody says you have to use it, but if it isn't installed now and you decide later you would like to have AC it will be a lot more money

Ron, I think you have a very elegant color combination on your car!

Richard

I think Hyundai purple looks good on his car.
Ron

Time to wipe the coffee off the keyboard again. Ronno, you have to stop doing this.

Bob

Hey Ron, I heard from Henry that after that last "incident" when you four wheel drifted Brian H's car over the curb, twice, we have to drive George's car without the fancy wheels and tires.
Ron

Paul I bought my car used . It does not have air conditioning and I don't miss it.If I don't want to drive with the top down I open the side windows and unzip the rear window and the breeze cools the car without the sun beating down on my head. The car is Ruby red with tan leather inside and tan top. The red is close to burgandy. I love it and it is an original 356 color. I think it was matched with a black interior so combo is not original. I have a Raby 2165 type 1 engine. Great engine.I wouldn't get ac because the whole point of these cars is to get the top down early and often.

Ron, ixnay on the edriva...I told Brian that we never test drove his car.
It's not my fault that damn curb was there and that Brian's car drifts so much under full throttle.

Dave, I was thinking about the ruby red, with tan leather interior and a black top. This was the original set up. Is there a way you can send me some photos of your car?

I would love to see a picture of that color comb, as well.

Robert Carley,

Did you change your e-mail address? My e-mails to you have been bouncing.

Bruce:

I have had some problems with my email. I just replied to your message of today - see if you get that reply.

Got it. Thanks!

I am awaiting the delivery of my IM Speedster, set for Dec. 31 or Jan. 2. It will be a Super 90 with IM's new 2004 2100cc engine and a 901 5 speed gearbx. I picked the Speedster with roadster seats and door panels. color Zermatt silver body with candy apple red interior and black top, red square weave carpet. It has air, am/fm/cd and dual webber carbs, electric windows and keyless entry. I sent Porsche badges and emblems for mounting. Can't wait for the car.

Sounds nice, Charlene. Post some pictures when you get a chance.

Charlene: Your new car sounds great! I am curious about the new 2004 2100cc engine you mentioned. What has been changed in this engine since 2003?

Charlene, I going into Henry's on Monday and I was just wondering....myself (Ron) and another Ron have a very valuable service that we offer forum members. We will, for a small fee, test your new IM and mark, on your tach, the red line (with a very expensive German felt pen). This is difficult and time consuming, and we make many, many red line shifts to get an accurate reading. We also offer documented instructions on how to get the best 0 to 60 times. It's all in the dropping of the clutch at the right rpm. We practise many 'clutch droppings' at various rpm until we get just the right amount of wheel spin. It's a tough job, but the two Ronnies are persistent and vigilant. Please note that payment must be in cash, as the government is still looking for us, and we don't want a paper trail. It's amazing how upset they get when you don't pay your taxes for a decade.
You can also reach us at wewillblowyourmotor.com

thanks
R & R