Replica's

What is the best Replica Speedster on the market? I'm curious to read your responses. I don't care about price, I care about driving it daily, reliability, original style, and modern functionality.

Larscars

Whatever one you own is the best one unless you are planning on building or buying a newer one. Then that one becomes the best one. Remember that the members here own an example of just about everything out there in the market place. We are all proud of our cars.

Check out the "Makers" tab for links to the manufacturers, then investigate them. Also search this forum for the many discussions of this question. And first of all, read "Ready for a Speedster Replica? - Everything you need to know", that is posted on each forum on this site. If money is truly no object, I'm sure you can find what you want.

As long as we're what-iffing here, and if money is no object, I'd probably get a real one and fix it up w/ a suped up motor -- a big twin-cam, I'd guess. $300K+ later I'd be set. Or maybe I really wanted a new tech'y, old-looking Speedster, that ran like the wind, so I'd ask Henry at IM to run me up one of his new 911, all Porsche running gear Speedsters. Don't know where that leaves my bank account -- down at least $80K, I guess, likely a lot more. Or maybe I was lying and was just looking for a strong running VW powered Speedster replicar, so I muster up something like $35K and get a turnkey from Beck or JPS, or maybe IM, built like I want it. Or maybe I was drunk when I wrote this post, and all I really can afford is a good used Speedster that runs right, and one that guys here on the SOC might know about. Now I've put out $15K or so and probably could get that all back in a year or two if I manage not to wrap the thing around a tree. I'm just sayin' . . .

Lars,

Why don't you spend a little time and look over this site.
The question has been asked a number of times and answered in much the same way.

Welcome aboard.

With a name like Lars, there is a good chance this guy is in Europe. Why don

Thanks everyone. I've owned 2 porsches, a new 924 and a 2nd owner of a 2004 40th anniversary edition 911. I've also owned many older VW Bugs, 1 Type 3, 2 VW Busses and one of the first Vanagans. I live in the NW United States. While "IM" seems expensive I'm close to the Factory. I really like the looks of his cars and the feedback and research I've done on the internet and magazines about different builders continues to lead back to the "IM" 1958 356 A Speedster.

I have other questions. How does everyone feel about the "IM" 2110 cc engine equipped with C.B. Performance heads and 44mm IDF Weber Carbs? ("IM" charges allot for that engine.) I'd like to get 100K out of the engine. Again it would be a daily driver. I'd like to be quick off the line but also have smooth freeway performance. What transaxle works best?

Here's one more. How in the heck do you pronounce Intermeccanica?

Lars

It's pronounced...L-O-T-S-A-M-O-N-E-Y!

Lars; with Intermec you can't go wrong and that motor is the best in terms of power and longevity; it will certainly be a perfect daily driver. Remember CB Performance is one of the best engine builders out there.

Lars
After visiting Carlisle last year,I had the chance to drive an IM with a 2110cc(around 140hp)connected to a 901 tranny (5 speed). It was the PERFECT combo.I loved every single moment of that experience!!
Since you live close to them you should visit them and see for yourself.
The owner of that IM drove in from Canada.

BTW I was very surprised when he handed me the key to his 60K speedy.

Lars - I have owned a Vintage Speedster. Great ride for the money. And Kirk Duncan bent over backwards on service. I now own a Beck. I didn't buy it from Beck, but Carey Hinds has bent over backwards with parts, tips and service. I agree the CB 2110 engine is a good one but it can be put in any car. If you're close to IM, that would be a big plus for service. You really need to look at some of these cars before deciding. Get to Carlise or Morro Bay and look and talk to people who own them. Hope to see you in Morro.

Lars.....Come to Morro Bay and I will give you a ride you will not forget..... A 300HP mid engined SAS gets the job done.... and the heater will chase you out of the car on a cold morning with the top down.......

I not able to come to Morro Bay. Perhaps some other gathering.

Thanks for all your input. I'll keep reading and browsing this sight. I'ts great!!

Lars

Lars, you should come to the IM BBQ and owners gathering in July. The 2110 is a nice engine, real smooth around town, and it will put you back in the seat if you hit the gas. I like Intermeccanica cars. I bought one! But they are not the only way to have fun with a 356 replica. There are very nice Vintage cars and JPS cars that I have seen. I have not seen a Beck Speedster but the Beck Spyder is first rate. You really should try to make Morro Bay as most makes will be represented and owners with experience with them will be there, not salsmen. One note about IM and my reason for buying one. I am 6' 3" tall and the Speedster windshield top frame is right where my eyes want to look. The IM Roadster has a taller windshield and roll up windows. This feature along with a lot of other factors made my decision to go with an IM.

Everytime I look at all the speedster builders I have by-passed Specialty Auto. I want a true replica with a german engine. "IM" is physically close and pretty cool but allot of money for everything I want. Then I started reading about Specialty Auto with all the new parts & modern (gulp) Japanese engine. Doesn't everything have to be German to have the best Replica. Since it's mid engine is there a back seat. Tell me what you guys no about this Subaru powered Speedster. I just read about our South African member putting in a Turbo Subaru engine. The performance sounds awesome!! I'm looking for more feedback from all you experienced members and owners.

Lars

Lars said "Doesn't everything have to be German to have the best Replica."

This reminds me of recent talk over a beer or 2 about American made cars! Turns out they owned American cars FORD & GM) that actually from Canada, Mexico and Korea. Geeze, Pontiac GTO is Australia! LOL. Mexicrate engines are based on the 40 year old German design but made in South America. Many parts like windshield posts, gauges, exhaust, electrics hail from China. Near all replacement engine parts are Brazil.

"Since it's mid engine is there a back seat." There was really only a parcel shelf to begin with - might be ok for 5 year old but not very safe.

Back seat is important for me. I need room for golf clubs.

Lars

Lars any ride you pick will be good if YOU pick it.. and your sticks shouldn't be a problem as long as you have a collapsable bag for the back seat! and I'll promise you that you'll get a ton of head nods and thumbs-up when you drive up to the golf course.

Speedster "D"

Thanks for the information about "CSW" in another forum. So far I'm not getting any response from "Ted" and with the information you guys provided I should not be surprised. He does describe an interesting car.

Lars