Pros & cons of vendors

Where are you located ? This would be helpful to you. The closer the better......Bruce

As a newbie myself... I did some research and here's my findings from browsing through these informative forums. First of all, this topic is a constant and members always recommend the newbie section of the forums because there are countless threads on this topic. Second, everyone's build is the best build, no one will say "I have a VS but the Beck is way better and vice versa. These works of art are a lot of money and no one is going to want to spend that money on something that isn't the best. So there's that...

Anyway... Vintage Motorcars of ca (VMC), JPS and vintage speedster (VS) are practically the same car. VW pan with various engine sizes. VMC is located at the old VS factory with some of the original VS employees and machinery. VS is now in Arizona. JPS near San Diego, .ca... Like Bruce said, depending where you're from the closer to you the better. For example, if you get a VS and you live near them... Consider them your one stop shop for questions and maintenance. 

Beck and intermeccanicca (IM) are built on steel tube frames. The difference between tube and vw pan is that tubes are built from scratch while the VW pan are taken from vw cars, cut and shortened to fit the speedster body. (Please someone correct me if I'm wrong.) Is that a pro or con? I don't know but biggest difference to me is seen in the leg well. IM has a lot more space down there compared to a VS. Being 6'3" space counts for me.

All in all... To the untrained newbie eye... They all look the same, run well with these modern engines and no matter what, will be the subject of conversation wherever you go. The biggest debate is the price tag especially on new builds and the credibility on dealership or private seller you plan to buy from that's more concerning. Best thing I'd do is post a lead here, have the members react to the build, the seller, and the price and that'd be the tell tale sign of what you can expect. Usually it's a "what a great deal" or a "don't even think about it" Although if it's a really good deal, someone here may snatch it up... Vultures! Haha

Hope I helped good luck!

Brian

I would rather have a tube frame, but a VW pan based is much more like an original 356.  I would rather have a Subaru engine, but a VW air-cooled is much closer to the original 356.

https://www.speedsterowners.com/pages/articles-ready

I don't know if it is so much which is better, but more like what is better for you.  Do you enjoy working on your car?  If not, I would stick to whichever manufacturer is closest for maintenance and upkeep.  Do you want as close to original, or Outlaw?  Do you want to rely on someone else's expertise, or do you know exactly what you want?  From my observation, the builders with the best reputation are also the most expensive.

Hi Tood, Scarletspeedster and Air-cooled

Thanks a lot for sharing your views. I live in Denmark/Copenhagen, so all of the manufactures are far far away from me. There are plenty of shops working on old VWs here, so I guess/hope they can figure out how to repair a replica. I'm not used to working on cars (but would like to learn), so the simpler the better. 

The tube frame cars intuitively seems like a better option, but they are considerable more expensive. Good point, that the VW pan based is much more like an original 356. 

Is it sacrilege to even consider converting one into an electric version? 

It has been done before  and there is nothing sacrilegious about making a replica the way you want. It’s not an original car and never will be so what you want to do is your business. 

Your car, your money, your vision. do whatever you want. It will never be a real Porsche Speedster so you aren't starting with an original and don't owe anybody anything.

well, for what it's worth, I'm 6' 2" and have more than enough room in my 2014 VS built on a VW pan.

Will Hesch posted:

well, for what it's worth, I'm 6' 2" and have more than enough room in my 2014 VS built on a VW pan.

Yeah, I've sat in a VMC VW build and fit fine as well at 6'3" and a high pompadour 😎... no complaints with top up too... The leg space is just alittle more in a tube frame which is the only difference I catch.

Btw one thing thats been swaying me to an IM is the roll up windows and A.C. in the dash. Prefer that since I'm planning on using it as a D.D. 

To list Some good advice I've come across on this site:

Buy once, cry once

Your money, your car

Buy used first before having one built. Pay a fraction driving one, then when you really know what you want in the car, sell it and pay top dollar for your dream car. 

This is just a step-up from riding a motorcycle in terms of safety and luggage space.

Brian

Frederik Nielsen posted:

Hi Tood, Scarletspeedster and Air-cooled

Thanks a lot for sharing your views. I live in Denmark/Copenhagen, so all of the manufactures are far far away from me. There are plenty of shops working on old VWs here, so I guess/hope they can figure out how to repair a replica. I'm not used to working on cars (but would like to learn), so the simpler the better. 

If I had not previously worked on cars, I would stick with a VW based car and engine. There is a whole lot of info on maintaining and repairing VWs.

The tube frame cars intuitively seems like a better option, but they are considerable more expensive. Good point, that the VW pan based is much more like an original 356. 

Is it sacrilege to even consider converting one into an electric version? 

Oh, hell NO!!!  It's your replica.  It's your money.

Since we know where you are now that changes things.  On your list just remove JPS and the rest are the best.  All have shipped to Europe too. Cost may be a factor in your decision, I don't know. There seems to be some special restrictions and requirement in getting one of these licensed over there where you are. That may be the determining factor in the end. Do your home work on this first. I'd start by talking to the four left on your list. Of course all this is only my opinion based on my best judgement and knowledge of this topic. Welcome aboard !  Happy hunting !...........Bruce

I mistakenly posted this under the wrong topic. (Senior moment).

I think you’ll find a variety of responses to this inquiry as everyone’s standards are different. I have a Vintage Speedster built in 2013 by Kirk. It meets all my needs. But once you drive an Intermeccanica, you’ll understand why they are priced so much higher than a VS. 

Then it comes down to your specific wants. I bought my VS knowing that it was what I call an great entry-level Speedster into the hobby.  This term is not meant to be derogatory; as a VS makes a great “forever” car as well.

Special Edition / Beck is very helpful and a regular contributor to this site. Greg, with Vintage in Hawaiian Gardens, also chimes in on this site; which I found very helpful. 

As far as options, engine sizes and the like, I’d consider that a personal preference that should be handled by a test drive. There’s a great map section to this group where you can identify members close to your location.  While I can’t speak for all SOC members, I know a majority are very accommodating and would love to show off and explain their speedsters to those showing interest.

 Considering following the advice of starting by buying one used and then from this experience having one built.

I found this one from Vintage Speedsters. I’m still not too familiar with the pricing of the used replicas, so great to hear your opinion about price on this one.

It's registred as a 1970's Beetle and most have been built just recently as it only has a few miles on the clock 

It has 1,6 l twin carb VW engine and four gears It appears to have air condition (?)

 The dealer is asking $39.000 for it.

What is a reasonable price for this one?

@Frederik Nielsen The car you posted, where is it located? If it is in the US then $39,000 is way too much. If you want a used Speedster contact @Troy Sloan. He deals in used Speedsters and has shipped some of them out of the country.

That's a nice looking car. The 1.6 ltd engine is way too small to run the air conditioning system. It doesn't appear to have anything extra. I think the price is too high by at least  $10K.  If that is the Euro Dollar price maybe it's OK. If it's the USD price and it's here in the US, it's too much.......In my opinion.  We are having a Speedster event on the East Coast right now so a lot of guys that have better information than me are "busy" this week end. There will be more info for you next week when they all get back.....Bruce

@Frederik Nielsen

I sent a private message with my phone number and I'm happy to talk to you about Speedsters.  My contact information is also on my website.  http://www.replicaspeedsters.com

Troy

@Air cooled.. Howdy curious as to why you’d automatically cross off JPS off the list ? 

9971

You might want to research JPS on this site and contact some owners and then make up your own mind.

I know that this one is not a Speedster, but a 718 RSK Replica... Just curious to hear your thoughts about the price. Seller is asking 32.000€ = $36.000

Located in Europe and unknown builder.. It also has 1,6 l twin carb VW engine . Body based on a beetle pan as far I can work out.. newly build. 

Fredrik, That's a nice looking car and similar to a Spyder. The price is getting better. What else does it have ? Like engine size and other things like the one you posted before ? Plus it's already over there !.........Bruce

9971, When I decided to buy a Speedster I had narrowed it down to VS and JPS. I knew what I wanted which was basically a roller. I know a little about VWs and had made a living wrenching them for a while in my past, I wanted to stay in SoCal for the supplier and be able to look in on the build. My first stop was JPS and John Steel. Within 5 minutes of that initial meeting I was leaving. His approach was overbearing,  demeaning and so egotistical in his attempt to impress me with his vast knowledge, I was totally turned off. He started by informing something that I knew to be absolutely wrong. I disagreed and the next three minutes were not pleasant for him or me. This is as much as I need to/or ever will say about the specifics of that interchange of words. Believe me, it was not what I would call a conversation.  I went down to VS the next day and gave Kirk a 50% cash deposit.  Since then I have learned that a few others on this site feel the same due to being treated similar.  I say a few but considering that I was going to give someone a substantial amount of money, that few would have been enough that I wouldn't have bothered to take the time to look at JPS. I now feel that I made the right decision by walking away from JPS...........Bruce

@aircooled The add for the 718 replica doesn't say much. It has a 1600 cc engine with double 46mm dellorto carburetor . Supposedly 'only' 80 bhp - can that be right?

Conical suspension.

Borsch ignition.  

The builder is the dealer himself... so no history no long track on the builder.... but it looks good (on the pictures) - will have to try it it...

even though it's located in Europe it's still 7hours away from me...

Similar experience with JPS.

Sorry you guys had a bad experience. Maybe my experience is different because I’m dealing with someone else.  Can’t wait to  get the car.

Dual 46mm's on a 1600. Isn't that a bit over the top, or am i nuts?

I may be out in left-field but $39K doesn't seem too high to me at all. I wouldn't let mine go for less than that and it's got 14,000 km on it.

IWill:

Greg Leach builds one with a 1914cc engine for $33,900 without the air, I think. 

Similar experience with John Steele at the Carlisle Replicar show - John is an expert on  everything and the methods he uses to build cars are the best that anyone can use - Just ask him.

And then when a car gets delivered, and especially if it is a considerable distance from Southern California where the buyer cannot easily return it for fixes, the buyer finds all sorts of things not finished, shortcuts taken and parts used of questionable quality.  Some of those have been adequately documented on this forum.

While some buyers have received beautiful John Steele built cars with good attention to detail and high quality paint jobs (often because they live close and can drop by frequently for updates), many others have had to jump through hoops after delivery to get the car to where they expected it to be on delivery.  It's the inconsistency from one car to the next that is troublesome, along with John Steele's confrontational attitude.

Notice that I did not mention JPS.  My understanding is that John Steele is either no longer involved with JPS Motorsports or has a much smaller role and other people now do the actual builds.  Either would be a good thing.

Frederik Nielsen posted:

@aircooled The add for the 718 replica doesn't say much. It has a 1600 cc engine with double 46mm dellorto carburetor . Supposedly 'only' 80 bhp - can that be right?

Conical suspension.

Borsch ignition.  

The builder is the dealer himself... so no history no long track on the builder.... but it looks good (on the pictures) - will have to try it it...

even though it's located in Europe it's still 7hours away from me...

80hp for a 1600 cc motor may be a little high and the 46 Dells are definitely too big for it. Maybe the venturi in each of the carburetors has been sized way down and with the right jets maybe it'd work.

Frederik....Keep looking.  After several serious looks you should be able to determine value and make an informed decision on a purchase. Time is money but sort of reversed in this endeavor. You're getting some good opinions and advice here too......Bruce

Hi Frederick,                  in Denmark

My advice would be first to figure out your BUDGET  ( $ , Euros, Kroner)  and how much latitude you will allow your dreams to vary that number.  This is what ultimately determines what you will drive.  Timing is the next variable....... If you need to drive it NOW.... then you must buy a used one or get in line at a quality manufacturer and be patient.  The advice that you have received in this forum should give you a good idea of the wait time for a new one from VS or Beck for a basic Speedster.

Everyone who wants one of these cars wants something different. (Dreams, right?)  Figure out your "most desired" features, (engine--- Subie or VW,  chassis - tube frame, or VW modified chassis,  Speedster, Coupe, Spyder or RSK) . Make a list of the features and prioritize which is most important for YOUR DREAM CAR.  Then, modify that list to match your finances and time periods.  It is not easy but doing this process will give you a more realistic approach to getting what you desire.

  Because you are in Denmark, be very familiar with the importation and motor vehicle regulations.  They can be very strict and restrictive and sink your dream car if you are not aware.  Be sure to figure importation, customs, and registration fees into your budget.

If you are considering building or having someone local build it for you, take at look at the RESOURCES above and look at the FiberFab build manual.  It will give you a pretty good idea of the build process.  There are probably a lot of already registered VW's in Denmark ( or UK, Germany) that you could buy and build.  This eliminates a myriad of hassles getting it registered to drive in your country.

If you want to message me privately via SO or directly ( chris@klebers.com)  I will gladly share resources.  I am a manufacturer of bodies and chassis for all models and have the options you are seeking.  (I even have an 718 RSK body available.)

)Dream ON/  Vroom........

Chris Kleber DDS

www.kitmanmotors.com 

Chris, What is Kitman Motors ?   I don't find you on the list in resources above.....Bruce

Hi Burce,

I have asked Theron to include me as a manufacturer on SO resources list.  I no longer build turn key cars.. VS and Beck do a much better job than my little business. (LONG STORY how I arrived at this point)

I make fiberglass hand laid bodies of 356A Speedster, Coupe and 550 Spyder with matching sub chassis and chassis. I have one 718 RSK body and molds.  I am basically set up to provide the platforms for amateur and professional builders to build their specific cars. If you want additional information see website or message me off forum.

Cheers,  Dr. Chris

Thank you Chris,  Seems like I had heard mention of you on this site but I had never looked you up. I was surprised to not find you on the list. Hopefully Theron can fix that........Bruce

Hi Chris - thank you for the advice. 

Thank you for to all of you for generously sharing your insights and thoughts. 

I'm leaning towards having a new speedster built by Vintage Motorcars -  Buy once cry once.  

I understand the tube framed cars (from Beck and Intermeccanica) are superior to the VW pan based cars, but the prices difference is way too big. So, so far my conclusion is that the best value for money is a new speedster from Vintage Motorcars.  Only trouble is that I'm an 11 hours flight away from LA... 

It'll give you a reason for a fun long weekend. Fly out, meet Greg, tour the shop, see the sights.

It's the journey that counts, not so much the destination.

Frederik Nielsen posted:

Thank you for to all of you for generously sharing your insights and thoughts. 

I'm leaning towards having a new speedster built by Vintage Motorcars -  Buy once cry once.  

I understand the tube framed cars (from Beck and Intermeccanica) are superior to the VW pan based cars, but the prices difference is way too big. So, so far my conclusion is that the best value for money is a new speedster from Vintage Motorcars.  Only trouble is that I'm an 11 hours flight away from LA... 

Cannot go wrong with Greg at VMC. If I can't find a used Ivory IM with rollup windows, ac, heat that's finely tuned with a reasonable priced tag... in the next coming year... VMC is my choice as well

Brian

I'm in the same boat as the op, trying to choose is very difficult.

The Intermeccanica chassis is *amazing* (check out their flicker page) and it looks like they do great work. But I want a coupe and they don't make coupes.

The Beck Super Coupe (when it arrives) has very promising suspension and the little I've seen of the chassis looks pretty good. But it's a mid-engine, which takes away from the charm of the car when the useless back seats are gone. Also it's unfortunate they went with the T5+ body.

The Vintage Motorsports coupe is VW pan and suspension, which I'm not excited about. But it's also the most authentic in a way. I think they're a good option. It remains to be seen how annoying the bent window is.

John from JPS managed to scare me off pretty quickly. Too bad.

And of course, there's always a real 356. More expensive, but will probably resell much better. Then again, a 60 year old car might be more headache and a deeper money pit than I'm willing to live with.

Tough choices.

Oh wait, I forget the last option: win the lottery and get a custom Emory Outlaw. I'm still trying to figure out how to swing this one.

The SE coupe can have rear engine Subby, which is the one I'd go for, if I were going.

Saw the mid engine prototype this past week end, and it is very nice. Engine is well insulated heat-wise and noise wise. Chassis and running gear are SotA, not VW at all. Car is 6" longer than original, and this is well hidden. Fit and finish is superb. Goes very well.  Mid engine would give it a handling advantage.  This car could easily be tracked.

Still in final prototyping stages. It is pretty well sorted, but has a few things to be perfected yet. The production process implementation has yet to be fully frozen.