Newbie going crazy!!!

Aloha!
First of all...WOW there is plenty of info on this site. (Mahalo) I don't know were to begin. I just turned 38 and I think it's a mid life (I've always been mature for my age Ha!) I saw a RIDE episode on Discovery HD recently...It had the American Legends folks talking about the spyders and speedsters they build...well after seeing that episode I've done nothing but cruz the internet for info. about 356's... I'm so giddy about the speedster...I called my bank to take out a Equity Line of Credit on my house! Ok you can see I'm excited...Here is how I need help. There is a '56 speedster 356C locally for sale $22K 2005 made by Boulder Speedster Company. Anyone have anything to say about this manufacturer? I'm stuck with selections being on an island...but I won't spend the money just because either! Honestly, I've never driven a 356. Heck, I might hate it (I doubt it). I've always had a thing for the little convertibles. I just wanted input from anyone willing to give me some guidance. I've read through alot of the forums and appreciate all the contributors!

Mahalo Dfnsmn34

Hi RM,

Welcome, and you are right - there is more information here than you could have wished for. Furthermore, everyone here is very friendly and helpful. Regarding the Speedster that you are looking at, take a deep breath and slow down just a bit. We were all in your shoes at one time or another, and trust me, your Speedster experience will be a lot better (and last longer) if you wait for the right car at the right price. First things first - go back to forums and read the "Ready for a Speedster Replica?" post at least twice. It will answer a lot of your questions. Regarding your specific questions, first, Speedsters were a variant of a Porsche 356A, not 356C. The "Ready for a Speedster" post will cover this and help you figure out just where the Speedster fell in the Porsche family. Next, Boulder doesn't produce Speedsters - they re-sell replicas produced by Vintage Speedsters (www.vintagespeedsters.com). I'm sure that there are exceptions, but as a rule of thumb, try to cut out the middleman if you can, and order directly from the manufacturer. $22K is pretty close to the price of a new base model Vintage Speedster, but it might not be a bad price (negotiate, of course) for an 05 if the car is decked out and has a larger engine. There are a few guys on this site who live in Hawaii, and I'm sure that any one of them would be happy to give you a test ride before you take out a home equity loan. They might even be able to help you inspect the car or locate other cars for sale so that you will have options. Again, welcome to the site and good luck!

Brian

I thought BSC resold Becks that they also did final assembly on. If that's the one I'm thinking of, they has some problems with poor assembly and disgruntled customers. Verify whether it's a Vintage or a Beck. My memory ain't what it used to be.

Oh yeah, and welcome to the madness!

Brian,
Mahalo for the fast reply. Question about the models A B & C. Why would the seller list the 356C when C models were made in '64? Is this designation used to identify front disk brakes? Here is a link to the listing I found. Yes, I will negotiate with him! He might be reading this now!!!

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/car/336607134.html

I talked to the owner. He said it has the 1900cc engine. Still available. I told him I wanted to make sure I had the finances in place before I wasted his time...seeing or driving it(tire kickers...Blaa).

Aloha

Lane,

After reviewing some photo's on BSC site the pictures show Beck emblems. The seller mentioned that he thought the owner had sold the business...Luke Richards???

Yeah, I believe that was when the problems started. I know that Carey Hines of Special Edition (the Beck manufacturer) said that they severed all ties with BSC because BSC's business practices were damaging Special Edition's reputation. The Beck is a great design (I'm kinda biased), but like all of these cars, the builder is the key. Check the car over carefully, and drive it under all conditions. If it was built properly, you'll love it. Otherwise, look for another one. When you get a good one you will fall in love. That said, expect any of these to have a few issues in the beginning. That's just the nature of the beast. Once sorted, you can truly say it's your dream car.

As an alternative, you can get one of Special Edition's deluxe kits for less than $20k and add the drive train yourself. If you're handy with a wrench it's not that tough. A bunch of guys built my car at the 2006 Carlisle show in 17 hours.

Aloha RM -

Check out the SOC member 'Kawika55' (David). He is in Honolulu (I think) and has a sweet looking Speedster. I'm not sure if he is anywhere near where you might be able to hook up, but try sending him an e-mail, he is very knowledgeable about these cars.

There are a couple other SOCers on the island but their names escape me (senior moments).

Mahalo - MUSBJIM

Lane,
Makes sense. The old joke built on a Friday or Monday! I'll look carefully and not let the sun blind me. Your car is great. Gotta love the Red/Whiskey combo. As far as a kit, I don't belive I would have any problem with building. But the whole issue of shipping to Oahu...ugh...If I can negotiate properly...I should come under the cost of the kit. I will leave the kit option open though.

Mahalo!

MUSBJIM,

E-mailed kawika55.

Mahalo!

RM Merrell,

I saw that Silver Speedster you are interested in on the Hawaii Craig List it is worth it and only has 500 miles you should check it out it sound like a great deal! I spent way more on my Vintage Speedster I purchased used and needed allot of work you would not believe, I redid almost the whole car since I purchased the Speedster! You should see if you fit and would be comfortable since I read you are 6 feet plus. Take the car for a test drive. That is a good deal if you were going to buy a new Beck or Vintage Speedster you would spend way more and you would have to spend another $1200. plus for shipping. There is one catch you will probably have to have the car retitled if the owner has not yet. It is very easy I can tell you how if you purchase a Speedster Kit car. If not the car is probably titled as a Volkswagen Hawaii DMV will change the title to Special Interest Porsche Speedster. Shucks last week Saturday I drove my Speedster to the Kapolei Home Depot Cruise Night. Email later I am really busy this weekend maybe next weekend we can hook up!

Musbjin, Thank you for the cool compliment about my Speedster!



Aloha, Kawika55

Aloha David -

Yikes, David! Each picture you post of your car looks even better than the last! You are throwing out some serious vibes with that black beauty!

Give a shout-out next time you're State-side and we'll hook up with some of the other SOC knuckleheads in SoCal for a cruise. There's always an empty right seat for you my Big Kahuna brudda!!

Peace - Out, from the State-side Chamorro Guamanian Madman!

MusBjim,

Hafa Adai! I thought your last name looked familiar...(not that I know you..it just rang a bell)I lived in Guam for 6 year. In Tamuning near the old hospital. Met my wife there...not the old hospital...@ Marty's. She graduated JFK '84.

Been gone...since 93.

Sorry it's off topic.

Aloha!

This is the reason on I log on every day!

RM,

I know beck's are great cars, but I have heard nothing but negative comments about boulder speedsters. Apparently they do really shotty work & customer service is the pitts. 22k is also a lot for a used speedster. If shipping is only $1200 (I spent more than that from CA to NY), why not check ebay for a used speedster, in great shape for 12k or so? They are out there if you are a little patient.

Daggonne it, Jim, I KNEW you were a pineapple-head!

Cory -

Welcome back my Alaska-cruising-buffett-raiding-800-post-reading Brudda!

Signed;

The Guamaniac
aka; MUSBJIM, El Guapo