need advice on purchasing a speedster (replica)

I am starting my research on speedster replicas and want to learn from the people that have "been there/done that".
Can you recommend a good quality product, service and reputable company to buy a replica from?
Thank you for your time!
Rob

While I am probably the last to give you a detailed response there is a lot of good product out there. Purchase will depend upon research as to what you want, when you want it and your budget. If you look at "makers" tab I would suggest running through the websites for manufacturers as a start even if you go new or used. Gives an idea on construct philosphy parts used etc.
Beyond that I will bow to more experinced longer time owners.

Stuart hit the nail on the head; I suggest you also go to the Newbies section and search for that subject there; you're sure to find useful information.

Robert, take Stuart's advice and do some research in "Newbies". You will find that most folks love whatever they've bought. It's a matter of budget and taste. One bit of advice would be to buy directly from the manufacturer as you will save a little money, and will reduce your risk. The manufacturers available in the US that I am aware of are:
- Beck (Special Edition)- What I have - www.beckspeedster.com
- Intermeccanica - www.intermeccanica.com
- Specialty Autoworks - www.specialtyauto.com/PORSCHE.htm
- Thunder Ranch - www.thunderranch.com
- JPS Motorsports - www.jps-motorsports.com
- Vintage - www.vintagespeedsters.com

All have delighted most of their customers. There are some distributors of each, although there have been some horror stories coming from folks who had the distributor build their cars instead of the manufacturer.

Has StreetBeasts dropped their 356 Speedster? Doesn't show up at their website any longer -just ford/willys inspired hot rods, a drophead and NEW fixed head cobra.

Street Beasts/Innovative Street Machines, LLC
240 N.E. 72nd St. Miami, FL 33138
Toll Free #1-888-888-6645

http://www.streetbeasts.com/

Yes they did drop the speedster from their line up, the fit for their custom frame is so poor it was the most labor intensive, time consuming speedster build I have done to date...not for someone with out alot of build and fabrication experience and a complete shop.

http://www.speedon.nl/intermeccanica/uk

I wrote a little piece on the subject of replicars that shows up on eBay's 356 search page under Buyer's Guide. Somewhat generic but addresses a lot of what we should entertain before we open our wallets.

I just read your buyer's guide on the Bay, Paul. It was thorough and gave an unbiased guide to Replica 356s that any new buyer should read before purchasing. Maybe you should post it here and Theron could put a sticky on it for newbies.

Nice work Paul. Perhaps it could be included as a locked thread in the NEWBIES section or maybe added to the knowledge database. This is the kind of information that a new, relatively uninformed buyer should read. It could go a long way to deal with unrealistic expectations that many people may have, especially when buying on a whim.

Here it is. Well written, Paul.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Ready-For-A-Replica-Porsche-Speedster_W0QQugidZ10000000001627896

EXCUSE MY LANGUAGE BUT THAT WAS A GREAT FOCKEN ARTICLE :)

Yes it was! But he forgot to mention that the best cars are made by... Thanks Paul, great stuff!

Paul,
You're my new hero. That is a beautiful article. May I incorporate it here and make it mandatory reading for new members?

-=theorn

Dale, don't go there....please!

Kudos are in order Paul, well done and well said. For the newbie looking for information which, you presented in a way that is easy for the novice to understand!

BRAVO!

Guys - you know what this means. Its all fine and dandy to tell Paul what a great job he did (AWESOME), but we need to show the love.

Each of us has to buy him a drink next time we see him. Maybe take years for all of us to pay up, but then Paul will know how much he's appreciated!

angela

I'd buy Paul a drink at the SOC get together in 07 Paso, but he prefers to swing with the "other" guys.....

Calm down Vince, a choice had to be made between events that conflicted with one another. Besides, I just get in my car and follow Dale, half the time I don't know where we are going and it's a cinch I'd never get there on my own!

Thanks for the compliments one and all. Theron, of course you can use it however you see fit. I'm certain I left stuff out, but as a keyboardus retardo and a stream of consciousness writer I think I got most of it without anything that would get anyone's panties in a bunch.

Two years, two weeks clean and sober. I'll have an iced tea when we all get together.

Paul, That is fine piece of writing. I think you did a very good job of moving interested parties along the Speedster learning curve. And congratulations on your Clean and Sober Anniversary as well.

Two thumbs up.