Looking to purchase

I am looking at purchasing one of these wonderful automobiles and was wondering if anyone in the Dallas/Fort Worth area has bought one?? I have a number of questions on maker, registration and insurance. I would appreciate any comments

Michael,

Don't know about the Dallas part, but look back through the various topics already posted and see what has been said.

Understand that new pilgrims come here all the time, often asking the same questions, which is good, but if you do some looking and check the archives you will learn a lot, and then ask specific questions. Good luck.

Michael, first figure out if this is a whim/impulse thing or a lasting interest; many people buy these cars new or used and resell them less than a year later.

Then decide what are important features - the nostalgia image, performance, or both? If performance is desired, how much? Do you want taut handling? Do you want a daily driver with good weather protection and visibility, and comfortable seats (convertible "D")? Or will this car be a fair-weather, weekend cruiser?

Performance means 4 wheel disk brakes, too (they don't need to be power brakes), and safe, precise handling means an IRS rear suspension car with front and rear anti-roll bars; maybe even rack and pinion steering. A performance engine may also (probably will) require a beefed-up VW transaxle or Porsche 901 transaxle. It will almost certainly mean lower gas milage and premium gasoline.

Then decide how much you can afford to spend and what other options you want (larger gas tank, etc.) and shop the three big builders, VS, JPS, and IM.

MIchael,

Jack Moore lives in the Arlington area of DFW and has a CMC Flare bodied car that is a very nice example of this genre and manufacturer (RIP).

I live in OKC and have owned a turnkey built Vintage Speedster for 19 months that I am very proud of. If you would like to ask me specific questions about it, or the manufacturer, then feel free to write. My experience with Vintage has been 100% positive and remains that way.

For JPS, I recommend you write John Leader. He has recent build experience and can answer your Qs. His car, is a very nice example.

Geaorge Brown can give you the goods on IM, as he has owned one for a couple of years and is considering a second one.

All the memebers of this forum will give you an opinion if you write.

Jim OKC

(Message Edited 12/31/2002 5:53:57 PM)

(Message Edited 12/31/2002 5:54:48 PM)