New Intermeccanica model? GS2000?

Aloha,

Perhaps one of the resident IM gurus can enlighten me. I clicked onto the IM's website and was going to request some information to be sent to me. I assumed they just built the Speedster and 'Vert D, however, there were A LOT more models available. One of which was the GS2000. They do not have a description of it on their website other than "Modern Carrera" in parentheses. Anyone know what this is?

Also, what exactly is the difference between a pre-1958 Speedster and a '58 Speedster built by IM?

mahalo,
Joel

(Message Edited 2/18/2003 9:12:15 AM)

Hmmmm...sounds like my kinda car.

Thanks George.

~Joel

Call Henry about the "GS2000". Differences between a '58 Speedster and an IM '58 Speedster replica are too many to list, and all a vast improvement. A few are: tubular steel frame, fibreglass body, IRS rear suspension, 4 wheel disk brakes (option), rack and pinion steering (option), Koni or Bilstein shocks (option), larger rear torsion bars (option), 15 gallon fuel tank (option), Porsche 901 5-speed transaxle (option), several choices for top and seat materials, removeable 4-point roll bar (option), front and rear anti-sway bars, 12V electrical system, and the list goes on...

(Message Edited 2/18/2003 5:03:26 PM)

Hey George, have you talked to Henry about your new IM? Was the pictures I took of the raw fiberglass shell your car. The guy I talked to wasn't sure (but he thought it was), but none of the other cars in the shop looked like yours. Henry's new demo looks a lot like your old IM; silver paint, dark blue top, dark blue leather interior.
Ron

My car is still in the beginning stages; if you saw a chassis with a 901 5-speed it was probably mine.

(Message Edited 2/19/2003 12:57:32 PM)

Aloha,

After re-reading your first reply, George, I realized you were telling me the differences between a factory Speedster an the IM version. I meant to ask, what is the difference between the IM Speedster and the pre-A IM Speedster? I've been lurking on their website trying to figure it out. So far, I can tell that the pre-A does not have the "bowed" soft-top, nor does it have the same brake lights as the other Speedster and Roadster. It has the dual "dot" lenses. Not the single long oval shaped lens.

Other than that...I'm at a loss. There must be more differences. I've requested some of their reading material, but haven't received it yet.

aloha,
Joel

Joel, I'm having a pre-A Speedster 'outlaw' built by Henry that should be completed by the end of May. The basic differences are that it has a low-bow top and the beehive taillight lenses. Henry offers it too with the roll-up windows or the electric option.

Scott,

Is it being built along the lines of how "outlaws" are built by Parts Obsolete? If so, it should be quite the looker. Post some photos when you can (when you get the car). I'd love to see it.

I really like the beehive lenses. Does the pre-A come with all the other niceties that IM offers on the '55 A and '58 D?

aloha,
Joel

I have talked quite extensively with Gary about what I wanted and Henry has been very understanding and patient with me. They both go quite a ways back; in the days of Henry's Dad's operation in So. Cal.

Henry, as others have said, is absolutely obliging in what a customer has in his mind's eye. He can do nearly anything you want with your car. As far as I know, all the amenities of the 'D' can be optioned to the pre-A.

After lurking around on this site I recall you were going to make the move to the Pacific Northwest. If you decide on Portland, get in touch.

Aloha Scott,

Thanks for the info. I really like the look of the pre-A '55 the best. Really dig those beehive lights and the low top.

So, Henry is willing to pretty much do whatever you like, eh? Good way to please the customer. I'd like to see what an IM "Outlaw" will come out as. I already have my own ideas. I was thinking of an engine from Harry Pellow, the 356 guru from San Jose. That way, the IM would be at least half real/authentic...know what I mean? So what ideas from Gary and his crew are you going to apply to your IM? Are you going to make it a daily driver, or just a May thru September cruiser?

As for Portland...yup...that's where I plan to make it back to. I am originally from there, born and bred for 21 years. Lived here in Honolulu for 3, expensive years. Just got to finish that pesky thing called an education before I can come back. Then I'll have to gamble that one of the local colleges will be hiring for professors. Don't ask which subject yet, still waiting to hear which program I get into.

~Joel