I am new to the 356 Speedster world. I am looking to purchase an assembled Speedster or a kit to put it together my self... I would like to sit in one or drive one to see if I fit (I am 6'3" ..big guy) and see how they feel. Would any one know of a Vintage Speedster or similar in the London/Toronto Ontario that I could review....
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You'll find foot area is tight on any VW pan based speedster (i.e same as a VW bug). There is a wider pedal assembly available if you have size 13+ shoes (or just get fancy Italian driving shoes like Marty). A tube based Speedster (or better yet a convertible D version with more head room) had more interior room - so a late IM or Beck would be better (and more $). Seats can be tilted back, floor recessed, and a smaller steering wheel fitted.
Charlie: We have several Canadians on here regularly and a few more who lurk and don't post, so someone should be close (I would hope) to show you their car and give you a ride. We also have a huge (YUGE!) meet at Carlisle, PA every May so you might be able to make that trip. There, you'll find examples of every maker (we get more tha 50 cars each year) and be able to talk with the guys from Beck (Carey and Kevin Hines) about their kit levels. Beck is in Bremen, Indiana and is the closest builder to Toronto.
Hey Charlie, I'm in Burlington not really too far from you and my daughter goes to Western University.
I haven't seen more than two Speedsters in Ontario in the last 5 years. Bob (member of this site has a Intermeccanica in Milton and another in Ottawa (David Stroud) but no Vintages or similar that I know of. I used the member search tool and they are the only two members that have been active from ON in the last 3-4+ years. The others I assume have sold or moved on.
There's nothing listed currently on Kijiji or Auto Trader Classics but JP Motors in Burlington has a real one in stock right now and used to have a replica. You might call them and see if they still have the replica in storage.
My guess is that at 6'3" and a "big guy" you're going to find a Speedster both too short at the windshield (you'll be looking over it and too tight. jmo......
Charlie: if you get to Hawaii..I'm 6'1" and fit in my IM speedster
....but you will fit into most cars as the boys above suggest. Good luck in your hunt
If you make it down to Carlisle PA you can really see for yourself if you fit.
A speedster might be a challenge then again if you see some driving a spyder there is well, pretty much no windshield on some. So it depends if you like the wear WWI pilot head gear or not. A roadster can be adjusted for you by IM to fit your body. My son in law is your height and he is all legs and fits ok, some are all body and that is more of a challenge. On the other hand top down most people fit in 
BTW there are at least two more in Ontario
Hey guys fron Burlington, Toronto et al. I am in Buffalo eh? ;-)
Are you rolling through here on you way to Carlisle? Was planning on leaving Buffalo sometime on Thursday. I will most likely be bringing a friend of mine along for the ride. If you want to meet somewhere along I-90 on the way to Batavia where we would head south. Let me know if you want to roll together and if Thursday works for you folks.
Ummm, excuse the Fron, which should be from and the your, not you and, I was, not just was and, I hate ping on the phone...
Damn! Typing not ping.
Hat ing fong to you too!
