Newb and found one I want but.....

So I've always loved these cars and I found one I'm considering but the owner doesn't know who made the kit and is not very knowledgeable about his car. I will be going to see it tomorrow. Its a 2003 build but he calls it a '63 356 and mileage is unknown. Seller claims 1600S Porsche motor and fuel tank, new tires, new interior, one new carb, new convertible top and tonneau cover. He purchased it off of eBay from someone in socal. He's asking $15k which from my research seems a decent price but I'm a car dealer and have to feel like I'm getting a deal. Other than the pan or frame differences, is there any reliable way to tell if its a Vintage or Inter? Any help is greatly appreciated.

I think it would be a little easier if you posted some pic's for us to see... I'm not a frigging mind reader.....

Patrick,

Pictures will tell the tale. Your a "car dealer" from where? If you are from California you have to be aware of the whole SB-100 mess with the titles. Lots of these cars are registered as VW's or maybe even the odd 356 Porsche title. Not 100% legal but "wink,wink" it's kind of accepted. If it is pan based you need to find the number stamped on the pan in the rear by the access cover to the shift rod. You can decode the VIN number from there.

Good luck.

Easy Vince he is a Newbie......;-)

I always thought you were a mind reader........;-0

Being a car dealer I am apprehensive to post the link as I dig the car and don't want it sniped. I'm not real sure on details but a local company here made "Elenor" replicas from Mustang fastbacks with real vins but sold them as new and got raided, so I know of the shady title dealings. It has new inspection and reg too with a clean title. I'm assuming what he claims is '63 is the year of the VW pan. I had a very brief conversation with him today and will be checking it out tomorrow so I'm doing my research tonight. I've had 2 early seventies bugs and a really nice Karmann Ghia in inventory at one time so I have cursory knowledge of fiberglass, pans, etc. but I just don't want to miss anything. Are there any tell tale differences between the makers that I can discern? Thanks again for any help.

Ah ha, I figured out picture upload. I love the way it looks with the top up, so gangster

Last pic of 356 and a pic of my other current fun car

Sweet woodie! THE CAR, VINCE! (sheesh!)

The interior of the Speedster says Vintage, but something about the body and the way it sits looks more like a CMC. Trim placement is a little haphazard, which is unlike Vintage, so it's almost certainly home built. I would be surprised if there was a Porsche part on it.

It just seems to sit 3" too low - which makes the front wheels appear too far back in the wheel well. Without seeing a CMC hibatchi grill on back I'd cast a vote for VS (based on dash and the new interior). Take pictures of the rear engine grill and the dash plus engine compartment - may still be original makers clues there.

I Vote Vintage...Oh, I didn't get these horns being nice....

Looks to be a CMC with some of Vintage Speedster's interior.... ~Alan

Patrick,

We need a "money shot" of the engine and under hood to tell about the "Porsche" parts claimed by the owner.

BTW sweet looking 51 Ford Woodie.......my Dad had a 51 Victoria we left in England in 62'.

It had a FiberFab tag on the driver door jam and was not what I was expecting. It looked much older than the "build date" of 2003 and was titled as a '63 Porsche. It drove alright, leaked a little oil, wires loose under dash, mismatched knobs, stunk of fuel while driving, body panels weren't aligned, and it idled high. I would buy a buyer at about half the asking price. Here is the link if anybody wants to pay too high for a turd. Anyways, I'm still looking for a really nice one but I'm going to get an e46 M3 to hold me over. Hey Vince, I really like that Ghia in your pics and your 356 too. I dig WW tires.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/cto/1644473200.html

Lane,
I went by to check on the '51 Woody and it will be ready within a couple days. I bought this car when I was 21 so I'm psyched to finally get it drivable after 8 years of work. But like everything, its for sale if you know somebody.

Dave, engine looked dirty but had several Porsche stickers in German. Either way, I passed. I'm disappointed cause I have always wanted one but I think it gonna have to wait until I find a jewel for a steal. Thanks for the compliments on the '51. It has a mustang II front clip and a DOHC 32 valve from an '03 Mach 1 with matching tranny. I have more pics on this cardomain link although they are 3-4 years old:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3061048

Patrick,

Likely the stickers on the motor were for show only. If it was a real 356 motor it could add a bunch of value in the $3 to $5k range to the car. They are out there......;-)

Thanks Dave, but even if it had $5k stashed in the trunk I'm out on this one.

Wise choice, IMHO.

What Lane said.

A real "dog's breakfast".