Need Help

Hello,
After thinking and thinking about what kind of a car to buy I think there is no cooler way to go than to buy a speedster. My thinking is you can spend $20,000 on a new car that kind of looks old (the new mustang)but lose your car in the parking lot due to the fact that everyone and their brother has one, or you can get a replica of one of the finnest cars ever made that will stand out much more.
I am very new to the replica car scene and dont know which company to go with. I have had some contact with Vintage Speedsters and 356 Speedsters but I am not too sure how they compare to other ones out there. I was reading some of the site and you guys seem like a really cool bunch of people so I was wondering what your thoughts are. The more information the better!
Thanks!
-Chris

Chris - You need to state your goals in buying one and let us know where you are located. An aircooled Speedster with side curtains in cold North Dakota, Hot'lanta or rainy Washington state can be challenging. Ya might then want added real windup windows for weather protection, AC and heat. Some actually had a removeable hard top. Is it a daily driver or a weekend toy? A modern Subaru engine or VW T4 might be more suitable for a daily driver. Are you able/willing to maintain it? Is it for speed/handling or nostalgia? Might want a tube frame vice a 30 year old VW chassis. In some states/countries a tube frame is hard to register and an air cooled engine hard to get past emissions.

Chris; just for your info.; 356 speedsters are a reseller of Vintage Speedsters. As middlemen, they add to the final price. If planning on buying that type of car, go directly to the source, Kirk at Vintage Speedsters, who actually builds the cars.

Guys,
Thanks for the help so far. I live in San Diego, Ca. Personally, I think this city was made for speedsters. I would like to get a speedster that is as authentic looking as possible but with performance upgrades. Disc brakes, bigger motor etc would all be nice but from a looks standpoint I would like the car to look authentic. I wouldnt mind buying a used speedster, im sure the price would be pretty good, but I am 6'6" and I would need some kind of work done to the car to help me fit in it. Vintage said they would charge me $150 for the work.
Once again, thanks for the advice so far and I look forward to reading some more.
-Chris

Hi Chris.

If you live anywhere near PA or SoCal you will have the best oppourtnuity there is, bar none, to get your answers by attending either the SOC (Speedsters) East Meet at Carlsile, PA in late May, or the SOC (Speedsters) West at Knotts/Anaheim, CA in late April. See the topic threads for "Events" on this forum. You will find every type, style, and brand of Speedster made and also home-built. Also, you will be able to meet with representatives of the different manufacturers.

If I was a first time buyer I think I would go to one of these shows.

If you are buying used, then it depends on what you are looking for. There was (and may still be) a used JPS that is as nice as they come for sale on this site. I also think Glenn Pablo has a super older Intermeccanica for sale that is nicely detailed with some authentic touches, and is well mainatained. (See For Sale Threads.)

As far as Vintage. I bought one three years ago and it was an outstanding and fun Speedster for around 22K delivered. It still runs great for it's second owner too.

Chris,
Don't worry about the height issue. Before I bought my Speedster in Saeptember I asked all about that here on the group. most assured me I would fit and did get to try a car before buying to confirm that.

I went with Speedster style seats, the real low back breakers. They are mounted on thin adjustable rails but I mounted the rails as far back as possible on the slope of the floor pan. I have plenty of room now for my legs. I also have a very small diameter nardi style wheel so my legs can go under the wheel instead of around it like every other car I owned. I am 6' 6" and 225#. The top of my shoulder now sit level with the top of the door.

If you buy used do be prepared for the possibility of sorting out the car to get it really road worthy. many are home built and leave a little to be desired. That said I have heard from new buyers that the current "factory" cars can sometimes need considerable sorting too.

Best,
Tony

Look at Ben Gulley's on the Forum Classified - real 912 engine with 5sdp trans and 914 disk brakes. His has the Speedster seats which give most room. You can go with smaller steering wheel too. You can also cut the pan and lower the seat another inch or so. Of course head room isn't a concern if you never put the top up. If you must have it weather tight pick one with the Cabriolet/D windshield and windup (vice side curtains) windows.