JPS deposit

I am seriously considering having a new Speedster built by VS, JPS or Intemecannica. VS requires a $5000 deposit, IM a 20% deposit which translates to about $6000, and JPS requires an initial deposit of $10000 with two additional deposits of $3000, for a total of $16000. Am I wrong in thinking that the JPS deposit of $16000 is a little high? Can any of the JPS customer comment on their feelings when faced with ponying up such a large deposit?

It's no secret that JPS buys speedster bodies in Kit form from Vintage. That's also not to say that JPS makes a knock-off, in fact the JPS speedsters I have seen have been very high quality. However, as a small operation, John doesn't have the same cash flow as Vintage or Intermeccanica. The result of this is a need to limit his risk, especially after putting up thousands to buy the needed materials to build the car.
-=theron

Decide which builder you want first, then worry about the deposit. And before you decide which builder research engine, transaxle, brake, comfort (Speedster versus convertible "D"), and suspension alternatives depending on where you live (climate), how often you will use the car, and how you intend to drive it (boulevard cruiser or sports car handling).

That way there will be a lot less possibility of your being disappointed with the car and suffereing from "buyer remorse".

Jim,
Good to see that you're still going towards a Speedster purchase. Actually, I thought you'd have one by now and just finished enjoying the killer Summer weather we had.
You're still welcome to check mine out & Medicine Man (Paul) lives really close too if you want to check out the non flared model.~R

As a JPS owner, I had no problem with the $10k initial deposit. John had to buy a donor VW, a body, and a new Type I engine (among other items) to get my build started.
The two $3k payments come later at two specific points in the building process - so, they're technically not "deposits." All of the replica builders have to purchase "the parts" to build cars as they are ordered - thus, the deposits get them started. These guys are NOT General Motors.
By the way...it's my understanding that JPS and Vintage (and perhaps Intermeccanica?) get all their Speedster bodies from the same manufacturer in Mexico. All our cars come from the very same, often-used (and slightly imperfect) mold.

John,
The Intermeccanica and Vintage molds are very different and easy to pick out. The right door of the Vintage mold has a slight depression and the torsion bar hatch is very different than the Intermeccanica mold. John buys the bodies from Kirk at Vintage's. I'm not sure where Intermeccanica has their bodies made, perhaps at the same company in Mexico, but the are not from the same mold as Vintage.
-=theron

Theron,
I've heard that the anomalies in the Vintage/JPS bodies are the result of the real Porsche which served as the template having been a "repaired" car. In other words...the Speedster they used for the molds had spent a little time in the body shop at some point - thus, the shape is less than "perfect."
Kind of interesting that these imperfections have been cloned thousands of times and are exactly the same on all the CA-made cars.

That's funny. There is some guy somewhere driving the original with no idea of the 2000+ copies.
-=theron

Regarding deposits.
If you've checked the comments on the site about a builder and checked the local BBB for complaints you've more or less done your homework.

I was a cabinetmaker for nearly twenty years and because of the constraints placed on "licensed contractors" regarding size of deposits, etc, I chose to operate outside the established norm.

I most often collected 50% up front and balance on delivery. In later years I amended my approach to include some additional monies just prior to installation.

The logic is simple, "Why should I fund your dream?"

It may sound callous but truth be told, these guys building our cars are more than just good mechanics, they are businessmen that recognize money in the bank and wheels on the ground sometimes don't coincide!

Oh and by the way, I only ended up in court twice in all those years, with what I'd deem an irreconcilable difference with a client.
Medicine Man
Mortgage Man in Benicia

I think Intermeccanica's fibreglass bodies are built by a fibreglass specialty company in Canada; you can call Henry and ask...

(Message Edited 10/30/2002 11:17:48 AM)

Thanks for the comments. I have been doing a lot of research and have found this web site to be very helpful. The deposit required is not the primary deciding factor, but I have to admit, it is a factor. I get the impression JPS is a little more agreeable to a more custom car than VS. I met with Henry when I was in Vancouver in September. He is very agreeable to building whatever I want. Other than cost the only drawback with his car is registration in California. If I were sure I could get it registered under the new SB100 law for kit cars, it would be easier to go with him. Anyway, I appreciate the comments and I will continue to gather info to help me make up my mind.

19 September, 2001

Sacramento: Senate Bill 100, authored by Senator Maurice Johannessen (R-Redding), passed the Senate unanimously 40-0 and now awaits Governor Gray Davis' signature to become law. This bill clears the air regarding emission control inspections of specially-constructed vehicles (i.e., kit cars, Cobra replicas and street rod reproductions).

SB100 requires a passenger vehicle or pickup truck that is specially constructed to be inspected by service stations authorized to perform such functions. An emission inspection will be based upon the engine model-year or model-year used in the vehicle. The owner will also have the option of choosing whether the inspection is based on the engine or vehicle model-year. Upon completion of the inspection, the referee would be required to affix a tamper-resistant label to the vehicle. They would also be required to issue a certificate that establishes the engine or vehicle model-year and emission control system application. The bill also requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide an initial registration to the first 500 vehicles that meet the specified criteria and are presented to the department for registration.

Specially constructed vehicles or 'kit cars' are defined as vehicles specifically built for private use, not for resale, and not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or re-manufacturer. The law also states that all such vehicles must be inspected for emission control and certification as required by the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Johannessen, a replicar enthusiast himself and owner of a Cobra replica, believes that SB100 will finally clear up the confusion surrounding inspection standards for kit cars. "This legislation creates a guideline for the emission inspection of specially constructed vehicles. Engines will now be held to the standards of the model-year they represent rather than the more sophisticated engines of today," he said.

Senator Johannessen introduced this legislation on two previous occasions. The bill successfully passed through the legislature last year, only to be vetoed by the Governor.

Rick, I had intended to take you up on your offer from before. I ended up visiting Brian Drake, who lives in the Sacto area, and looking at his VS. It's not a flared model, but I got a chance to inspect it closely. I appreciate your offer. Thanks.

Jim,
You're welcome. Glad you got to check out one that was closer to you. I'm always willing to help out any way I can because I still remember the time when I was new to the Speedster game & how all the great people here were there for me. Especially, when you're about to spend that kind of money on what basically consists of an expensive toy. @ least that's what it turned out for me. A year later & it only has 600 miles. Yeah....shouldn't have had the baby & house @ the same time. (LOL).~R