The response to my "soft offering" has been overwhelming. I was hoping that someone would realize the value of one of Steve's cars, with a new crate-built 2.5 turbo Subi engine..... All, minus the 4 year wait.
If I don't find her a worthy, new home, maybe Carlisle could work out for me this spring. Work always seems to get in the way of my joining the madness.
My 3-Fiddy-6 was contracted in 2006 with Steve at Specialty Auto. She went through her break-in period in late 2010, and final delivery was in early 2011. The spec sheet looked something like this:
1957 Cabriolet flare-fender wide body
Paint code: Mazda cosmic blue mica
2005 Legacy GT Turbo 2.5L DOHC donor engine
5 speed manual
Bi-level air conditioning-heat-defrost
Leather interior
Luggage Rack
Air/heat
Electric windows/doorlocks
Power assist brakes/ABS
Like an idiot, I had the original donor engine that came from Steve's shop tuned to excess that caused a catastrophic failure. I think that an inexperienced tuner combined with a 30+k mile donor engine with no service history contributed to an over-tuned, unreliable donor mill. So, with an expensive lesson learned, I had an entirely new 2.5 Subi engine built, and installed to replace the old donor. I have put break in miles on the new mill, and it is performing flawlessly with a conservative Stage 1 tune from a Cobb access-port.
There are many personal touches that may not appeal to everyone and include:
-HID H7 conversion projectors on the headlights and the Hella foglights. This is a proper projector conversion, not just a bulb replacement.
-Blaupunkt period-correct radio that has been converted with new "guts" to allow ipod input, AM/FM as well.
-Nardi drop-spoke steering wheel with Porsche center crest horn button
-Personally imported Italian grigio leather hides (spare leftover hides to go with car)
-Custom California cover (grey with blue monogrammed "3-Fiddy-6")
-Custom Cocomats (blue with grey dots)
I have more details, photos, etc. if anyone wants to continue a dialogue.
I hope all had a great Thanksgiving, and here's to a healthy, happy holiday season!
PS- Marty and Hoss: If she doesn't find a better home, I promise the first round of egg sammies are on me!