Is Intermeccanica is the way to go?

My wife and I are very interested in getting a 356 reproduction. From discovering this website and then visiting the IM website, it seems like this would be the company to use- mainly because of the features they can provide that make the car more practical in comparison to the reproduction that VS offers. But I am new to this whole concept and would really appreciate some direction. I have a 911TT and it's a great car, but the 356 is just stunning. I don't really want an original since it would be something we would drive and enjoy regularly and I don't want to make a huge investment in it. Well, I would appreciate any comments, even if you private email me.

Thanks, Scott

Scott, you should review the past messages. Then call or better visit the manufacturers, they provide the best info on their products.
-=theron

Scott, I'm an Intermeccanica "bigot"; my second IM is in-process at the moment. My previous IM, a convertible "D", was bought by the owner of a non-IM Speedster replica; he had driven my car and was very impressed with the handling as well as the performance (big engine and 901 5-speed), finish, detailing, and overall quality of the IM build.

I personally think the IM is a safer car in the event of a collision; the frame appears to offer protection via the stronger tubular frame. The tubular frame certainly improves handling in my experience due to greater rigidity and improved weight distribution, and the rack-and-pinion steering option is superior to the usual stock VW steering. I also feel the paint and interior execution is superior to what other replica builders offer.

The only drawback to an IM is the cost; if you select many options the car is somewhat more expensive than the competitors' products. Examine and drive examples of the different manufacturers' cars and decide for yourself based on your budget.

Scott,

Lots of pilgrams come here and ask newbie questions, which is one purpose this site fills, but keep in mind for the most part owners here love their cars and flame wars have been known to break out.

With the cost George will have in his new beast you could probably buy two new, turnkeys from JPS or Vintage. George knows what he wants, enjoys owning the best and would never be satisifed with a lower price-point car, but for those of use without his disposable cash thank goodness for cars priced within our means but our cars lack some of the features of the higher price IM.

Use the "search" function here. See if there are owners with McSpeedsters in your area and if they will take you for a test drive. Also decide what sort of driving you plan on doing, evaluate your winter weather, etc. After you have an idea of the above call one of the manufacturers, all are nice guys and honorable businessmen.

Scott,
The following is my opinion only, and represents my view, as a relative newbie as well, of the speedster manufacturers. Intermeccanica is the top of the line builder. They build a tube frame car with roll up windows, etc. and will customize the car with anything you want. They are also the most expensive. Next down the line, in my opinion, is JPS who also build an excellent car, but use a VW pan. I don't think they are quite as technically advanced, and won't customize as much as Henry will at IM. I'm sure I will be corrected on that, but that's my opinion from talking to both John and Henry. Thirdly there is Kirk and Vintage Speedsters. Nothing against the VS cars, but they pump out way more cars in a year than JPS and IM put together and the result is some great cars, and some not so great cars.

One thing I did that was very informative was to go to the "registry" section of this web site and sort by 'manufacturer'. Then go through and read the comments from the Vintage Speedster owners, and the JPS owners, and the Intermeccanica owners. The JPS and IM owners are all pretty happy, the VS owners are about half and half. That said, you make more cars, it just make sense that it will appear there are more problems. The percentage of problems between all builders may actually be about the same...though that's not what I saw in the registry. In my opinion, IM makes the best cars, and JPS is a close second, and a bunch less money.

Let the flame wars begin ;-)

Scott,
I have an Intermeccanica and love it. I too, like George, am a "bigot", just not nearly as vocal about it. I chose IM for the frame chassis, quality of the cars I compared, Henry's willingness to do anything I asked and the fairly spot on originality. You should look and if possible drive the cars with the engine size you are considering. Actually, I did not drive the IM before ordering but the ride I was given in a tubeframe IM sold me. I sent my deposit to Henry after our first phone conversation. I have NEVER regreted the decision. If you live in the Sacrament, CA area, I offer my car for your inspection. George IS spending a lot on his new car and it will be spectacular, I spent nowhere near George's cost and got exactly what I wanted (NEEDED) and it is pretty nice. You get what you pay for. By the way, the speedster windows are not roll up, they are electric with hidden switches. Good luck,

Well thanks all for the info. I was showing my wife the different web sites, since she will drive it about half of the time (I already have two fun cars of my own). She was thinking that the Roadster model that IM makes, looks different than the Speedsters from JPS and VS. I am thinking what she was seeing was the higher windshield on the Roadster as well as the different placement of the side view mirrors and the front and back bumperettes on all of the IM cars. So here is our next question, do you get a "Roadster" ie. 1959A model or a pre-A. She doesn't like the bow top on the 1958. I am sure we will have many more questions, but thanks for the help so far.

Scott

Scott,
The Roadster is only an "A". The top is much "smoother" than the '58 Speedster. The top is also lined and the rear windo unzips making it nice on a Hot day using the top as a sun shade. The Roadster is much easier to get in and out of and less windy with the top down. I drove one of Henry's Roadsters at Knotts Berry Farm and found it more civilized than my speedster.

I agree with Dale; the "roadster' is a little more civilized than the Speedster, which was Porsche's intention (the roadster was originally called the Speedster D). Bodies are exactly the same, but top, windshield, and windows were to improve visibility and weather protection (and address Speedster owner complaints about the same issues). Late production Speedsters and "D" models all came with the same seats used on coupes/convertibles instead of the earlier racing bucket seats; Henry can probably build you a Speedster using either seat option (the buckets are less comfortable and make it harder to get in and out of the car, especially with the top up). The "D" top more closely resembles the convertible top. "D" cars are a bit heavier than a Speedster.

Speedster tops come in two versions - low-bow and high-bow. The low-bow was the original version and is more attractive (in my opinion) but the high-bow offers more head room. The IM Speedster's electric windows improve visibility and weather protection over the original side curtain design and are a lot more convenient.

Good luck with your new car - some of the decisions (color and interior) are not easy...:o)
(Message Edited 6/20/2003 10:49:11 AM)

Scott,
George is correct, as he so often is, and Henry will build the Speedster with the Roadster seats. That was my choice and I love the seats. The car isnt "wide body" but I am pushing that direction personally. I have driven my car from Sacramento to LA for car shows 3 times and I am really impressed with the comfort of the roadster style seat.

Now what about a motor? I don't want to go crazy, but want performance and a fair degree of reliability.

Scott

Scott, Henry offers a CB Performance built 2,110cc engine as an option that makes about 150 BHP and uses quality component parts assembled by Pat Downs. Each of these engines is dyno'd prior to shipment.

Consider your driving needs and perhaps opt for the 3.88 ring and pinion (freeway speeds) transaxle, and a super-diff (strengthened differential spiders) would not be a bad idea with a larger engine.

It's a very good idea (and not expensive) to get the large fuel tank option. Also, ask Henry to send the Brazilian combination gauge (oil temp and fuel) to Palo Alto Speedometer or North Hollywood Speedometer and have them match the gauge impedance coil to the stock VW fuel tank sender so that the fuel gauge will read correctly (the oil temp gauge doesn't need recalibration).

Remember that it's a lot easier and less expensive to deal with some of these items during the build phase instead of after the fact.

Henry now offers an "Ultra" engine with a slightly larger displacement from CB that develops 170 HP. I can't tell you about reliabilty, but I have ordered a Speedster with this engine. If you are a business traveler or have some frequent flier miles, it would be worth your while to visit IM and the other manufacturers. There is nothing like actually being there to really form your own opinions.

Good luck.

I am looking at a Vintage Speedster finish out by AZspecialties in Scottsdale, AZ. Has anyone had experience with AZspecialties' before or heard anything about their cars?

As I am currently looking at one of their cars, any information would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks.

J.D.

J.D. please ask that question in a new thread since it is a change of topic.
thanks
-=theron

Theron,

I tried to start a new topic, but kept receiving an error message. Any ideas? I will try again.

Thanks.

J.D.

Email me the error and I will try to figure it out.
-=theron