JPS Speedster

I was pretty much heart set on a Beck 550 Spyder, but was completely unsuccessful in talking my wife into a motorcycle on four wheels. So, I'm looking at the JPS Speedster. Any info anyone can give me would be appreciated. If you own one, are you happy with it? Any quirks I should be aware of? Any disappointments? I'm looking at the Custom with 2160cc. I'm in So. Calif and pretty close to their shop. Plan on visiting it Friday 11/29, but info going in would be nice. Thanks

We had a drive here in the DC area last week and one of our members has a really nice silver JPS. You can see a couple of photos in it under the "Meets" area. Also, he is listed in our regional section and I think there are photos of the car.

Angelo,
I'd be happy to drive over to JPS on Friday and show you my car. It's a six-month-old JPS with about 2500 miles on it. I have the day off and any excuse to take a spin in the Speedster is welcome.
I think you'll find 99.9% of John Steele's customers are extremely happy with their cars...including me. And, even more importantly, John's really proud of each and every one of his creations.

Angelo,
I have a VS car but if I had to do it again it would be a JPS for sure. John Steele is a true craftsman.
Jerry White

If possible, look at and drive a JPS, VS, and IM with comparable engines, transaxles, and brakes. Then check your budget and decide accordingly.

Angelo, don't forget that a JPS is essentially a Vintage Speedster rolling kit that John then finishes. He does add some nice touches and details from what I have seen, but it is otherwise a VS.

Is a JPS more expensive than a COMPARABLE Vintage?

Specifically, what additional finishing touches and details does JPS do that Vintage doesn't??

Thanks!

John is not a mass producer of speedsters. He takes his time and pays far more attention to quality and detail. He is willing to try almost anything. The end result is what is important. Price should be pretty compareable.
Jerry White

There were some interior touches (seats, a covering for the tranny hump matching the upholstery, etc) that I noted as well as some additional badges on the body down by the front fender wells. I am not sure if the badges were standard or not though... I didn't ask. The one interesting thing was that this Speedster actually had ROLL UP windows in it instead of the normal curtains. Apparently John cut into the fiberglass, installed tracks and windows, etc. However, I hear it was his first and last experiment with that because it was a pain. You can check the car out in the files section and contact the owner by e-mail if you want. He is listed under the Washington DC area group and has the only JPS:

www.speedsterowners.com/chapters/detail.asp?c=6

I am a satisfied JPS Speedster owner. Before buying, I thoroughly checked out the major replica builders - paying personal visits to Vintage and JPS (didn't make the Canada trip - IM was way too expensive).

When I decided to get a Speedster, I wanted it to be as authentic as possible, but I was also concerned about quality. I found that both Vintage and JPS made very nice cars and their prices were literally within $100 of each other for similarly-equipped cars.

I opted for John Steele at JPS because his cars were built one-at-a-time and his idea of quality construction was similar to my own. (This is not a condemnation of Kirk at Vintage). I felt that JPS was a specialist, while Vintage was more of a "generalist."

When I see a post saying, "a JPS is essentially a Vintage Speedster rolling kit that John then finishes," I just cringe. JPS and Vintage do, indeed, get their "parts" from the same sources, but it's how they put them together that makes the difference. The two manufacturers make similar cars that are "essentially" quite different.

When it comes to production figures, IM produces fewer cars each year, usually around 24, and I believe most go to Germany or Japan. Many items that are options on VS and JPS cars are standard on IM, and quality contol is very strict. Another point is that IM uses much more expensive, top quality Glasurite (sp?) paint.

Everyone seems to think IMs are more expensive for the "same car", but I think the additional standard items, not to mention a tubular steel frame, are worth thinking about for a new buyer.

Angelo,

I've owned my JPS for about 4 years. I busted up the front end really good a couple of years ago. John fixed it good as new. I live in the SF area. People seem to have trouble with heating with other makers, I don't and I drive (as long as it isn't raining) top down. I'd like a fifth gear (not available) but others talk of getting a higher forth (a good suggestion). Disc brakes would be a definite plus. I drive my car quite a bit, highway and around town (short distances and long). I'm under 6', so it may be tough for you on long drives if you're taller (a little uncomfortable for me on those 5 hour trips). I have a 1776 now, 1600 before, both engines were fine. Probably would go for the larger engine, so long as it provides OK longevity. Hope this helps.

David

JPS uses the BASF glasruit paint process also, George. Good paint makes all the difference in how a car looks.

hhhhh

JPS uses a number of OEM Porsche parts; for example I believe (but could be wrong) that Vintage glues the deco trim onto the body. John uses OEM clips to attach the trim same as original. I have bought script from John that came in Porsche parts bags (priced a lot cheaper than Tweeks for sure). When I had my engine fire John volunteered to help me with the insurance process, was extremely helpful and has since become a friend. I had my engine lid modified to a Carrera style with louvers and the paint work is show quality, frankly it makes the rest of the car look like crap in comparison to the lid paint work.

I do agree with George, you should check out the new IM's. A tube frame would be great. But if it is a price-point issue I am sure you will be pleased with a JPS, but do your homework.