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Replica Coupe

FM Former Member
Greetings Gentlemen! I am new to this site, and somewhat new to 356 replicas in general. Around Christmas, I was at a local supermarket and saw a magazine featuring a green 356 coupe replica built by JPS on the cover. I believe that coupe is owned by Tom in PA now.

I was blown away by the pictures of Tom's JPS coupe in the magazine and figured that a coupe replica would be the perfect Christmas present for me. Unfortunately I am still a few years away from actually purchasing a replica, and I just purchased a Honda Pilot and my wife is opposed.

However, I joined this site and got interested in researching a replica purchase (because of that JPS coupe) and became a little concerned about a replica 356. The forum threads imply that these vechicles are leaky and unreliable. In general, the Speedsters' engines, trannys, valves and carbs seem to have frequent tantrums. And apparently, a typical VW mechanic won't suffice!

From what I gather the Intermeccanica is the most reliable and refined replica. However, they do not make a coupe. Secondly, the SAS coupe prototype is not ready yet. Third, there seems to be some people who are dissatisfied with JPS. Finally, it appears that all of these cars require CONSTANT tinkering which I am not good at.

So I am looking for some advice. If I am not a mechanic, and a regular VW mechanic will not do, should I abandon my dreams of ownership? What is the most reliable drivetrain that has power and does not require constant adjustment? Can I really live with one of these or will a JPS coupe be a tempermental little bitch?

Thanks in advance, I have LOVED reading the posts on this forum. Now back to work!
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FM Former Member
Greetings Gentlemen! I am new to this site, and somewhat new to 356 replicas in general. Around Christmas, I was at a local supermarket and saw a magazine featuring a green 356 coupe replica built by JPS on the cover. I believe that coupe is owned by Tom in PA now.

I was blown away by the pictures of Tom's JPS coupe in the magazine and figured that a coupe replica would be the perfect Christmas present for me. Unfortunately I am still a few years away from actually purchasing a replica, and I just purchased a Honda Pilot and my wife is opposed.

However, I joined this site and got interested in researching a replica purchase (because of that JPS coupe) and became a little concerned about a replica 356. The forum threads imply that these vechicles are leaky and unreliable. In general, the Speedsters' engines, trannys, valves and carbs seem to have frequent tantrums. And apparently, a typical VW mechanic won't suffice!

From what I gather the Intermeccanica is the most reliable and refined replica. However, they do not make a coupe. Secondly, the SAS coupe prototype is not ready yet. Third, there seems to be some people who are dissatisfied with JPS. Finally, it appears that all of these cars require CONSTANT tinkering which I am not good at.

So I am looking for some advice. If I am not a mechanic, and a regular VW mechanic will not do, should I abandon my dreams of ownership? What is the most reliable drivetrain that has power and does not require constant adjustment? Can I really live with one of these or will a JPS coupe be a tempermental little bitch?

Thanks in advance, I have LOVED reading the posts on this forum. Now back to work!
FM Former Member
wow - you have certainly done your homework.

My project is still on jack-stands, so i cannot comment on driving them, but having owned over 14 cars and quite a few of them being air-cooled VW's, i can tell you, yes, they do require attention. Thesea re not honda civics, but with that grain of salt, they are pretty easy to work on.

I cannot comment on the coupe you want from JSP, other than you may want to talk to Tom. I understand things have been resolved.

You have to keep in mind - these cars are not like a new car. they are hand built, made out of fiberglass and often require attention to keep things smooth. They are by no means perfect. Do they leak? Probably. Did the original 356's that are now fetching $275K leak? Yes.

So, you have to weigh the pros and cons. Replica ownership may not be for you. It sounds like you are looking for a solid, no hassle car. Perhaps a early 60's 356 coupe? they are still reasonably priced.

If you do decide to take the plunge, we are all here to help with your build. I'm sure you already know about thesamaba.com and shoptalkforums.com. Both will have all the information you need to do the mechanical side of things.

Good luck in your hunt!
WOLFGANGWOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member
A regular VW mechanic? What is desired is a regular air-cooled VW mechanic but considering last one was made for US market in like late '70s, they are increasingly hard to come by. Depending where you are - there maybe an active dune buggy shop that would be perfect. Ownership should be treated as a hobby (like owning a motorcycle) not as a prime method of transportation. Tinkering is pretty basic compared to the miles of vacuum hose and computers on newer engines - so really amount to replacing plugs, oil changes, and valve adjustments (and fixing occasional oil leak or two).

Whenever someone asks about Speedster reliability or safety - I steer them away and towards the Audi TT or a BMW M3/4. Still a retro look but modern underpinnings. Unfortunately, You see alot of slightly used (low mileage) Speedsters up for sale because folks expectations didn't match the vehicle.

I was indeed surprized by number of speedster owners up in Canada - either really hardy folks, real hard core enthusiasts or just a little nuts, EH!
Marty GrzynkowiczMarty Grzynkowicz2012 IM Suby-Roadster
David,

Check out Tom's post (JPS Green Coupe Update) under Vender Specific. Maybe you can make Tom's decision easier if you really want a coupe.

As far as deciding over a modern car over a replica, I can say this. I have owned several Miata's, Audi's, and BMW Z-3 all of which are high quality sports cars. I think many people that migrate toward these types of cars and this website are looking to be part of something else. Being the proud owner of a 2007 Vintage I have to say it's about something more than reliability, safety, & raw performance numbers. Here are a few.

1. The uniqueness of owning and driving in a classic body design. (More power to you if you can afford a real one and actually drive it).

2. Air cooled. What can I say, the sound and rumble is totally cool.

3. The experience & feeling you get when you slide into those little seats and view through the tiny windshield.

4. Car and driver summed it up well on their review of a Thunder Ranch 550 Spyder a few months back. For the low 20K range you can buy a Honda Civic SI. But, now matter how nice that SI drives, you will never duplicate the vintage feel that you get in these little replicas.


Waiting for spring.

Marty G.

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FM Former Member
Paul, Marty, Wolfgang - Thanks for the responses. I can't seem to shake the notion of a 356 replica. Car designs have gone nowhere for me in the last couple decades. I can't swing an Alfa TZ or TZ2, but I can swing a nice 356A. The 50s and 60s are the highlight of automotive design in my opinion.

I think that I will eventually get a replica. Now I just need to research which powerplant I need. Thanks!
FM Former Member
You said, "Secondly, the SAS coupe prototype is not ready yet". That car has been supposedly going to Carlisle for 3 years now. In my opinion even when it is finished, if ever, you wouldn't be happy with it.

I notice you have a lot of concern about drivetrain reliability and don't want to tinker. DON'T buy one of these cars. Even a reliable Subaru drivetrain which is less hassle then an aircooled car, can and will have problems. You are swapping one set of hassles for another set and it can be a real hassle to figure out how to get it repaired. It isn't because it is hard to do, it is because everyone wants to pretend like it is so different and charge you double for working on it.

You may be ready for a new hobby, but is your wife ready for your new hobby?
TomD (hacksaw57)TomD (hacksaw57)
Expect to have problems. Expect to have to do some tinkering. Expect to find a ton of help and support on the soc site and speedstershop.com. Expect to be gawked at. Expect to answer questions at every fill up. Expect to have a ton of fun. Is it worth it? For me, despite some challenges (expected and unexpected) I am totally hooked. I own two. Coupe is cool, and (now sans leaks) is a reasonable all-weather car. An IM speedy or roadster with roll-up windows is probably nearly as good ($$). I'm adding a gas fired heater to my coupe soon to enhance cold weather use even more. I got the coupe so I could drive a toy all year long. I'm not as manly [read insane] as Cory Drake. Still it is my toy and not something I drive in the rain or snow unless I have to - but I can.

My buddy drives a Miata and we are always ribbing each other. He loves my cars, but he is the definition of not-mechanical. He NEEDs a modern trouble free car. I tease him that his Miata is the best looking "hair-dressers" car anywhere. All in good fun. His car is really nice and he paid 20% of the price of a new Speedy. There are tons of them around.

My dissatisfaction with JPS was centered on support. The car is really pretty well done. There are a few things I think JPS could have done better, and I definitely think QC could have been better executed, but all in all it is a pretty good car. All I really wanted from JPS was help to resolve issues. Advice, direction, technical assistance, parts and such. Unfortunately it was hard to get and rarely timely. Fortunately, I'm getting all the bugs sorted out now.

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FM Former Member
Thanks for all the responses. And Tom, you're car really is beautiful. Don't sell it. Also, I love the line about Miatas and their hairdresser clients! I feel the same way about Z3 and 4 drivers, and perhaps the TT. I guess I would opt for a used Cayman if the coupe replica is not for me.

Do these cars through fits even with light use and regular maintanance? Will I be on the side of the road with a problem no matter what I buy? Is there a particular powerplant set up that is more user-friendly?

FM Former Member
I am going to try to make it to the IM gathering. I live in Edmonds, WA - nearby. My wife is actually from Vancouver. I have been planning to visit the shop since I saw the magazine with Tom's car. Secondly, there is a Lambo builder there and I would like to see his shop. I can't afford a Lambo kit, but it should be neat to see all the same.

Terry NuckelsTerry Nuckels'04 JPS Speedster NorCal
David,
You just need to be a good boy scout. Ever vigilant.
Become well acquainted with your car and it's workings. If you're not a mechanic, find one you can work with in your area and be able to describe to him, in detail, when little problems occur.
If you're unsure about owning a replica but you still want to give it a try then buy a used one with a well documented past.
Most of the bigger problems occur in the first few thousand miles of a new car.
Do the research. Talk to owners in your area. DRIVE one for a hundred miles or so.
Talk to sellers who have put thousands of miles on there cars as well as those who are selling after a few miles logged in the seat.
They're not for everyone but I feel blessed that it works for me.
FM Former Member
If you come to the Intermeccanica gathering, make sure to look at the watercooled cars. Brand new VW Golf engined with either a 1.8L or 1.8 Turbo. Very reliable, very civilized. Not for the average air cooled car lover, but certainly more and more popular with those looking to drive rather than have a hobby. Oh yeah, they come with Porsche suspension, brakes, and rack and pinion steering too!

No coupes from IM, but with roll-up side glass that seals, why would you need a coupe?
El FrazooEl Frazoo Supporting Member
I am late to this party, and happy to see so many other preaching the gospel. I'll just add something here about performance and the issue mentioned about picking the right motor. My preference is more is better, so I like the idea of a big torquey engine. But, to quote another SOC sage, no matter what engine you use, the car will always do zero-to-cool in about 3 sec. -- the time it takes you to get in it.

More advice: do it now, don't wait. JPS has just finished Coupe #11, so maybe that process is settling out some.
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