I'm going to regret this...
Up for grabs is my '57 Speedster! I bought this car 2 years ago and have truly enjoyed playing around with it. I stumbled upon this website when I started looking for a Speedster and was astounded at the information and helpful nature. I reached out to Alan Merklin to get some advice before I got serious about purchasing a car. Alan was kind enough to not only trade a few emails with me but also I recall at least one phone call with him. Once again Alan, I appreciate all of your help! Alan put me in contact with the previous owner of this car.
I kept all of the emails and documentation that I accumulated prior to the purchase. The best way I know to describe the car is to drop some of Alan's direct quotes in right here. In other words, I'll let the expert speak...
On Sept. 08, 2011 Alan says...
Out of the 27 Speedsters that I have worked on/built etc. this Chrysler cool vanilla one ranks in the top 5... It looks very rich in person.
Previously assembled by Brian Van Durseun, a four year Speedster build, he is quite the craftsman. Due to health concerns, Brian chose to sell me the nearly completed Speedster knowing that the remaining items would be addressed and completed properly. The Speedster had just 8 test miles on it and is done in high end BASF Glasurite Chrysler 2008 Vanilla, a very light cream paint with a medium brown interior that is a genuine eye catcher.
Feel free to ask questions or concerns as I enjoy helping first time buyers!
Alan Merklin
Alan also forwarded the following specifications for the car that he wrote up for the previous owner:
Exterlor – Multi hours of block sanding, epoxy primer, 2008 Chrysler Vanilla urethane with three coats... very high end.
Seating – Vintage Speedsters medium brown slotted back seats.
Seat belts – tan
Carpet – Custom light brown
Full tonneau cover – Vintage Speedsters in tan (I also added a matching quarter tonneau)
Front trunk buckle leather straps
Optima battery
2x4” 10ga US steel tube box frame bonded to a professionally shortened Type 1 VW chassis
6062 grade high strength aluminum plate floors with steel reinforcements
Front disc and rear drum brakes
Front OEM German sway bar
Three chrome bezel gauge, full instrumentation and indicator lights
Chrome IDIDIT brand street rod steering column
Adjustable front beam with IRS rear suspension
5 ½ x 15 four bolt chrome wheels
185 70 15 radials with front trunk mount spare and jack
Motor is a fresh 1641cc with ¾ grind cam
Weber carb
Vintage Speedsters special exhaust system
Bosch 009 mechanical advance distributor
Pertronix Igniter ignition system
Remanufactured 3:88 R&P transmission
Alan completed the car and sold it in June, 2011 with only 8 miles on it. Against Alan's recommendation to let him sort the car out for a couple hundred miles, the new owner wanted the car immediately. The new owner really wasn't prepared do deal with any of the initial sorting problems that can/will happen and was looking to sell the car.
I purchased the car with 157 miles on it. It now has almost 1200 miles and is very well sorted. This has turned out to be a very nice driving car. No speed demon, but will hold her own on the highway at 65-75 with no issues. The only really weird thing about the car is the lack of a trunk latch. I originally was very concerned about it but after driving it around for two years, it's really not anything I think about. I would just advise anyone who trailers the car to make sure the trunk is secured so it won't bounce. All the lights etc. work as intended. Gas up and go!!!
Currently being kept safe warm and happy in my garage in Arlington, Texas. I'll be happy to keep the car in my garage until pickup/shipping can be arranged.
Thought I would start here before moving on to eBay. Clear Texas title in hand, titled as a 2010 Assembled Vehicle. The price is $20,500...
I have a several pictures that both I and the previous owner took. Feel free to contact me for any specific shots you want.
--Mark