My First Post - help educate me

Well, how much do you want to spend?

Probably less than 30k

Keith, welcome to the madness!  The journey had begun.  Two suggestions. 1) Scan past posts.  These topics have been covered many times before & 2) Come to Carlisle in May.  The best collection of Speedsters, Makers, & owners in one spot in the world.

Start here, Keith:

https://www.speedsterowners.com/pages/articles_ready

 

Then drive one. As much fun as they look, they aren't for everyone. That's why you see so many of them for sale with super-low mileage.

Thanks for the replies.  My interest has just turned back to the 356 but the wife has given me the green light.  I'll poke around and if I see a good deal I'll post it here to get some feedback.

Questions: are you handy with a wrench? mechanically inclined? experienced with cars? do you like puttering around in the garage? These things (when powered by air cooled motors) need tinkering (it seems you're always doing something) so if this doesn't appeal to you then you may have to rethink this. Some people, love the notion of ripping around in a retro car, but the reality is sometimes a little different. That's why we see low mileage cars for sale quite often...

Pretty good with a wrench.  I would not want to tear down an engine but I was able to build the cobra replica with online help.  Tinkering would be fine.

Welcome aboard Skunkman!

 

You took the correct first step by asking questions on this Speedster replica forum. Be advised that it helps to take comments on this site with a grain of salt. If you were similarly involved on a Cobra Forum (or ANY internet discussion), you know what I'm talking about.

 

Some SOCers want to go fast, some want to cruise. Whatever your poison, the trick is to drive your replica within its design limitations along with realistic expectations. This piece of advise is the variant in how much tinkering your replica will need, and its longevity.

 

FWIW- here is another perspective. I outlived my speed freak phase (been there - done that) and wanted a fun car that was reliable and inexpensive to maintain. I have that in my '95 Vintage Speedster as my daily driver (SoCal). 1835cc cranking out maybe 70hp at the wheels. Approaching 90,000 miles of relatively trouble-free cruising with only routine maintenance (tune-up, oil change, valve adjustment, etc).

 

Spend what you can afford and drive within the car's capacity, and you'll have MANY miles of enjoyable top-down cruising to look forward to!

 

WELCOME TO THE MADNESS!!

 

 

Skunkman, there's really nice Beck that was posted somewhere and mentioned here on the SOC last week...pretty nice car and within your budget. I believe the car is in Riverside, CA: http://www.oldbug.com/khillspeed.htm

Skunkman!

 

if you can build a factory five, you can build a Speedster, but, rather than take many, many months to complete one, many of us would highly recommend buying a slightly used VS, drive it for a season, meet a bunch of other speedstah folks and then decide to stick with it, upgrade or bail.  You'll be able to sell the VS for what you put into it (unless you pay a silly high price in the first place) and learn a lot in the process.

 

Gordon - the Speedstah guy from Grafton

I'd include a picture, but this site really dislikes iPhones

 

What Gordan said was wise advise Don't be too concerned about color and interior on it  But silver and off white are common eye pleasing colors and would be pretty easy to sell i live in a cooler climate i went black interior but tan is common and pleaseing for a test car  . Your stature if your tall would affect your choise to Im's and Becks offer more room for taller people as do a few others  Some VS do not..  Pick the car with care  I would suggest to try to get in one with the top up and see if you fit that paticlar car their are High bow and low bow tops also and some cars with lowered floors under the seats to inprove the head room.  Gordon i only have a razor phone But if you send it to your email  then down load and compress it  you can then with luck up load to here

Skunkman....

If you like this one, contact me....

 

 

 

Vince, awesome color.

Thank you Ron O.....Harley Davidson Black Cherry....

Vince are you selling your VS to buy an Intermeccanica?

MARTY U R SO STUPID.    HE IS BUYING A SAS  

I'm thinking about a V8 Miata..but don't start taking your junk out just yet....

vinny, 

i can make your tub out handle and out run any small super car including any v8 powered chick car.   Just sayin!

Is there one builder or manufacturer that produces a higher quality speedster?  Names I am seeing include Intermeccanica, vintage speedster and Beck?

Skunkman, we joke around a lot because a lot of us know each other.   You need do to a lot of research and speak with the builders and with owners of different cars.  With a budget of 30K max you can drive a new VS or JPS, a used Beck or on occasion a used Intermecannica. SAS has cool car too at 35-37K but super long wait.

Who's joking around here? Shame on them, we're supposed to be all serious

I'm well aware of the joking that goes along with these forums - that's the fun part isn't it?

I am going through a build right now with Vintage.  I had a Vintage prior to this that I sold.  If you wish to chat about my build and what to expect, let me know...but yes, You absolutely can build a beautiful car with a bunch of upgrades with VS for under 30K...

Or, you can buy used and save big dollars over the cost of having one built.  There are always cars available on the SOC and there are a couple of us who buy, restore and sell used Speedsters.  I currently have a regular body silver with tan JPS that was used in the NBC TV series "Undercovers" with under 500 miles (essentially new) and a black with black super widebody Vintage that is getting new paint and they will soon be ready for eBay.

 

Here are links to previous posts about these cars.

 

https://www.speedsterowners.com...ent/7204052932341669

 

https://www.speedsterowners.com...ent/6077788738722731

 

FYI.  I removed the hump on the JPS in order to install the top, so the car no longer has the hump.

Troy - your cars are always top of the line...I enjoy watching all the video you post on you tube.  Is this car out on youtube for one of your drives???

Skunkman, the two big independent restorers on here are Troy and Alan Merklin, but I think Alan is taking a break right now.  Definitely consider Troy.  Not only will you be getting a used car at a lower price, but, very importantly, a VERY well sorted car.

Skunkman, whatever you do, take your time. Don't jump in and buy the first car you see. You might want to attend some of the SOC events scheduled in a few months. It will take patience, but who knows: there might be some cars for sale there that are perfect for you. Good luck!

"Skunkman, whatever you do, take your time. Don't jump in and buy the first car you see"

On other hand, if you see a truly great deal, jump on it.  If you wait overnight it may be gone. Exterior color, interior, engine and wheels can be easily change.  Concept of investing in stocks, real estate and guns are no longer viable investments.

BUY VINCE'S CAR IT IS AWESOME

If somebody buys Vince's wide body, what will he be driving in June?

I must have missed a post.  Is Vince selling his car?  Why???

Not pushing it, but it is available for the right price....will have a sign on it in June for sure...

I have to many toys....The Hot Rod truck is currently getting more attention.....

So, someone will get a cool tub.....

SOC price 25K...no best offer at this time....price will be higher in June...I'm in no rush...

2332 with 911 shroud, approx 170 HP....no issues.....less than 1500 miles on motor

can provide build sheet for motor....

 

HOW ABOUT FOR CHRISTIAN MAYBE 30K

 

OK, who is this posting here and what have you done with Vince... "I have too many toys" are you freaking kidding me... have you lost your Vulcan Mind here... First off there is NO such term as too many toys! PERIOD... What you need is a bigger garage! I say fill in the pool and add a second story to the garage with a couple of lifts! AKA Rob Brown... now that's a Tub hub! (When he had one!) Don't go soft on me here.. you're starting to sound like a freaking democrat!

 

Speedster "D" Tell me it anit true!

I think Vince wants to make room for a Miata.

I've gone for a ride in Vince's tube, it runs like a raped ape in speedster terms.

GREAT looking car and well taken care of.

These cara are small but I think you can put a miata in a closet.  Should have plenty of room

Perhaps an Aston Martin is in my future.....but I'd have to lose 2 cars to purchase one, good thing I have extra's

 

here's the 2332 ....runs very well.....