Skip to main content

Closed39 replies

Looking at a used 356 replica

FM Former Member
I spotted a Speedster today while at work. Almost missed it, sitting in the corner of a foreign-car repair shop. So I stop and notice a couple of things, the top is higher than a Speedster, and it has Roadster scripts on it. Registration says '59 P-car, so I think it is possibly real. All the right badges in all the right places, I don't know as much as you guys. I do know Spyders MUCH better, I am definitely a novice when it comes to 356s. Then I notice the IM badge where the Reutter badge usually is, and get very interested. I keep looking: roll-up windows, AC, leather seats, etc. Pretty much specs the same as Biggs car with a VW 4 speed instead of a 901. Now I am not even really looking for one, but honestly it is 98% of the way I would order one IF I was to "pull the trigger", to quote Cory. What's it need? Wheels need rechroming, Moons are rusted, and headlight trim rusted. And it looks pretty dirty in the engine. Paint still looks nice, maybe a buff needed. No big deal, right? So I ask how much, and get the owners phone number. BTW, it came from Henry in 2002, as I called IM and talked to Robert. He gave me all the specs on the car, 2110 CB, 3.44:1 final, hydraulic lifters, heated seats etc.

And then I start to think how nice that would look in the garage next to the Spyder. You know, heat, top, AC, and all. Drive it all times of the year when driving a Spyder would be painful. So, I plan to get a hold of this guy, and take it for a test drive, at least. It is just shy of 20000 miles, so the motor may be a little tired and in need of pistons and cylinders. I can't see what else might be wrong with it. It was never hit as far as I can tell, but I would investigate it very well. For the right price, it would be a great deal if the motor was junk, and had to be replaced. But the mechanic did say it ran well, so we will see.

To be continued.............
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

FM Former Member
I spotted a Speedster today while at work. Almost missed it, sitting in the corner of a foreign-car repair shop. So I stop and notice a couple of things, the top is higher than a Speedster, and it has Roadster scripts on it. Registration says '59 P-car, so I think it is possibly real. All the right badges in all the right places, I don't know as much as you guys. I do know Spyders MUCH better, I am definitely a novice when it comes to 356s. Then I notice the IM badge where the Reutter badge usually is, and get very interested. I keep looking: roll-up windows, AC, leather seats, etc. Pretty much specs the same as Biggs car with a VW 4 speed instead of a 901. Now I am not even really looking for one, but honestly it is 98% of the way I would order one IF I was to "pull the trigger", to quote Cory. What's it need? Wheels need rechroming, Moons are rusted, and headlight trim rusted. And it looks pretty dirty in the engine. Paint still looks nice, maybe a buff needed. No big deal, right? So I ask how much, and get the owners phone number. BTW, it came from Henry in 2002, as I called IM and talked to Robert. He gave me all the specs on the car, 2110 CB, 3.44:1 final, hydraulic lifters, heated seats etc.

And then I start to think how nice that would look in the garage next to the Spyder. You know, heat, top, AC, and all. Drive it all times of the year when driving a Spyder would be painful. So, I plan to get a hold of this guy, and take it for a test drive, at least. It is just shy of 20000 miles, so the motor may be a little tired and in need of pistons and cylinders. I can't see what else might be wrong with it. It was never hit as far as I can tell, but I would investigate it very well. For the right price, it would be a great deal if the motor was junk, and had to be replaced. But the mechanic did say it ran well, so we will see.

To be continued.............
FM Former Member
Jim: who cares about the guys in my neighborhood? I play for the first string!

Angela, I have never wanted two plus women. One at a time has always held my interest. Just give me one nympho, naked, and serving me a beer, now that's perfect!

I think the price may be very right. Would really rock though to have two toys, no waiting. With the heat, heated seats, and AC I conceivably could drive it every day it doesn't snow. That's a lot more days than a Spyder can be driven COMFORTABLY. I have driven down to 32 F and it is not pleasant. But on those same days it can be 60 F on the way home, perfect for top down. Just think, if I want to hang the tail out, take the Spyder. And if I want to cruise, take the Speedster!
FM Former Member
Well, I took it for a test drive yesterday, with Jen of course. It's gonna be her car eventually anyway, so why not get her in at the start?

No squeaks, rattles etc. It rides great. Handling seemed a little twitchy as compared to my Spyder, maybe an appointment with some tools is in order. The problem with the car is water. It has been outside for about a year. Water inside the doors, moldy door panels, moldy carpets. I think they may be saved with some elbow grease and steam cleaning, but might need replacement. I just can't believe somebody would let one of these cars stay outside. Even with rollup windows these cars are not waterproof. In fact, the window scrapers are where the water must be getting in. I will find out how much all this stuff might cost before I make an offer.

The engine has some torque but didn't seem to run as strong as I think it should(It's no Spyder!). The carb linkage is seriously worn(CB hexbar) and maybe not quite enough timing. The carbs are definitely not synched judging by the amount of wear/play in the linkage. It has hydraulic lifters which took a few minutes to quiet. But I didn't hear anything from them after that. Like I said before, it needs new headlights, rechromed or painted wheels, and clean up the trim. It is missing the rear P emblem.

The brakes pulsate so the rotors(4) may need to be replaced or cut. I also need to put the car on a lift and really look at it. The red paint is in excellent condition, as is the black top and plastic rear window. So hopefully, some time and effort on my part will translate into an attractive price and a good deal for me(and Jen!).
Post Content
Remove This Ad

Membership Required

We're sorry. You must be signed in to continue. Sign In or Register
×
Are you sure you want to remove from your Block List?
×
Loading...
×
When you block a person, they can no longer invite you to a private message or post to your profile wall. Replies and comments they make will be collapsed/hidden by default. Finally, you'll never receive email notifications about content they create or likes they designate for your content.
Note: if you proceed, you will no longer be following .
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×

Access to this requires a premium membership.

Supporting Member

Please help keep us running!

Supporting members have donated about $4.00 a month ($49.00 US per year) paid annually.

  • Priority support
  • Removal of inter-page (between thread) advertisements.
  • Access to Build Manuals
  • Access to Knowledge Base
  • Access to Supporting Members events.
  • Access to Leveraged Group Buying from site Merchants.

AUTO RENEW: You membership will auto-renew after 12 months. If you prefer not to auto-renew, you can cancel your premium membership at any time and it will remain in effect until the end of the 12 months. To cancel, sign in at SpeedsterOwners.com and navigate to: (Your User Name)  > Premium Membership.

PLEASE NOTE: Your credit card will receive a charge from CROWDSTACK PAY, the payment processor, not SpeedsterOwners.com.

$49.00 per 12 Months (plus tax if applicable)
×