six foot three

Hi all,

I'm still in the process of looking at speedsters and trying to determine if it would be OK with my height of six foot three inches. I was looking to buy a used vintage, and in all probability I will not be able to find one with the shortened back seat that Kirk can produce upon request. So basically my question is, does anyone of my size have a speedster with the regular sized back seat and is it somewhat comfortable? Also, do you think I might look goofy driving a car that is on the small side for my size?

David,

I am 6'2" and had original Speedster seats in my 2002 JPS Replica. By lowering the seat-tracks at their rear attachment point, I was able to sit lower in the car, keeping my head well below the low windshield. With the seat in the all-the-way-back position I had plenty of legroom.
I think the Speedster seats sit lower and are not as thick (so they can go back farther) as the Roadster seats that come in most Vintage Speedsters. Maybe the answer is buying a used VS and replacing the Roadster seats?

Go with the speedster buckets or a Porsche 914 seat --- and avoid desire for a "roll bar" and you should have room. Ya may have to run the seat all the way back but there is not much of a back seat to infringe upon anyhow. A speedster (cabriolet) with roll up windows has a higher windshield and a higher roof so would give you still more space. Can help ya with looking goofy behind the wheel though.

One of the guys on this forum is 6'5" and over 250 lbs. He says he fits fine although it must be fun watching him get in with the top up.
ed

I bet when he drives he looks OVER the windshield!
Ron

6

Mike,

I notice you didn't say the top was up. With the top up I look around to make sure no one is watching me enter or exit. Not the most graceful of manuevers but once I'm in nothing is going to budge me.
You SoCal guys put the top down, get in, raise the top, have the wife button the snaps up. I know because I invented that technique, LOL!

Bruce

What's a "top" ? Does my car have one of those?

JL,

Remember when were were on the Freeway in January going to Dunkles? We had the top up and you were concerned about looking like a novice
when we got there and dropped the top. With my expert advice you got it all dropped OK. Coming back from Dunkles we left the top down! You SoCal guys never miss an opportunity to rub your great weather in us Northerners face. We love our weather because we actually use the wonderful top and side curtains.

Okay, okay. So I had my top up once...it was February 1st for-cryin'-out-loud! And it was also 6:30 in the friggin' morning!!
Seriously, it is very entertaining to watch tall or large (diplomacy) people clamber in or out of a Speedster with the top UP. I always try to park in a spot where the potential "audience" is very small, if I'm going to attempt the rare "public exit" from my top-up Speedster.
As I recall, Bruce, you made more "old-guy-noises" getting in and out of my car than I did.

JL,

I've got excuses. I am somewhat heavier than you and carry 10 more years of age than a youngster like you, but the real reason was I was trying to make you feel good!

Bruce

Bruce,
It worked! And you just did it again! Thanks.

Getting in with the top up goes something like this:

(1) a prop (requires strong leg muscles, and shoes that grip)
(2) a slide (one cheek on seat, the other on sill)
(3) a scootch (both cheeks now on seat, or repeat as needed)
(4) a drag (both legs now inside car, don't worry - numbness is normal)
(5) a shift (for package adjustment; trust me, it's easier when car is not moving)

interlude of expletives when keys are spotted hanging on nail by entry to house, and retrieved

(if reason for getting in car is still that important) repeat of steps 1-5, made more difficult by added frustration.

ALL OF THE ABOVE ASSUMES YOU ARE ALONE IN YOUR GARAGE.

If attempting before easily-amused witnesses, leave driver's door closed and hope for the best, i.e./ pray for a miracle.

Your results may vary; always consult your doctor before attempting anything that may cause an irreparable groin injury.


MM

Mike,

Right on! You don't know how many times I've gotten in the car to find the keys are on the hook in the utility room! Obviously you have experienced that moment of angst when you realize the same thing! Only thing I can add is, depending on leg construction, the straining to get the right leg under the steering wheel.

Now you prospective owners don't have this deter you from buying your
Speedy. You can join this fraternity by buying one and swapping stories at the next Speedster get together. All this gives this car "charecter", right?

Bruce

I'm 6'4" and have no trouble getting in/out; when the top is up I have to duck below the side struts. My IM has their Speedster replica seats and I sit well below the top of the windshield.