Speedster Manufacturers

This thread is the perfect example of why we are all here!

 

A great first read for someone about to dip their toe into the madness.

 

I would add one more piece of advice, actually it's only one word: patience

 

Whether you end up spending $20k up front and invest a lot more time and money, or spend $90k (and up) and drive out of the shop without a care in the world...take your time making the decision.

 

I've been involved in the hobby for years; built my first kit in 1982 (an MG TD) and (perhaps surprisingly) she is still on the road.

 

But I hung around with these guys for years before I bought my 356 roadster. I saw a lot of cars. I talked with the major manufacturers. I talked with dozens of owners. I saw a lot of cars. And got to drive a few (thanks guys!).

 

At the end of the journey, patience paid off. After missing out on a few "good deals," I stole a seven year old IM build with only 2,500 miles on the clock, for less than half of what a new build would have cost me.

 

And I get the same support from Henry and his IM crew as I would if they had built the car for me. In fact, Henry helped me find "my" car. You'll get the same treatment from any of the top manufacturers.

 

So...welcome aboard! Keep asking questions and you'll receive a lot of guidance on your journey into the madness.

 

Paul, your right the formula you used is the best one but at times on the second or third you want exactly what you want when you want it... madness.Ray

Thank you all for the great advice and stories.  I'm actually a wolf is sheep's clothing (sort of).  I have been working on a business plan to build electric cars based on classic replicas.  I know, I know, it's been tried and it's failed.  Well, I'm not in the business, but I really believe I could create something that could help spread the enjoyment that you all seem to have for your cars. 

I started working on this crazy idea way back when gasoline was approaching $5 a gallon.  Of course now it's just over $2 so no one would buy an electric vehicle (EV) from me.  I believe that the price of gas will rocket back over $4 next year.  I also believe we are poised at an EV technology historical tipping point.  The evidence is out there.  Think of all the major and boutique auto manufacturers that are working on producing electric vehicles. 

Back to what I want to do.  I don't want to take away your 30 mpg speedsters.  I do want to get a new wave of drivers to stop buying mass produced blah mobiles.  I don't want to produce a ton of vehicles (my year one goal is 6 cars).  Right now I'd just like to find a dependable manufacturer to build the base kits. 

So, let the cynical comments begin.  Oh and I'm not sure the speedster is the right vehicle for this project, but there are just way too many Cobras out there.

You are a little late to the party re: electric speedsters. Carey already offers that as an option on the Beck Speedsters. 

Special Edition (Beck) has done a lot working with electric Speedster.

> On Oct 30, 2015, at 3:28 PM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

So you just wasted a lot of peoples time asking a question only to try and sell us all an electric vehicle that you are going to produce and not even sure if it is going to be a speedster?  Maybe next time lead with something that is a little more to the point?

 

Sorry - just struck a wrong chord with me...carry on.

Sorry to say, TMW, but you flunk the smell test.  Here's a marketing tip that you may want to incorporate into the business plan for your new enterprise: when you approach a new market, tell the truth.

TMW,

Ouch....

Please say it ain't so?

Jim,

To your point, how effective is the strategy of reaching an audience through deception?  Anything said beyond the point of discovery is a total waste of time on the listener.

BTW, a lifetime in Sales/Marketing with a B.S. degree in Marketing (oops: maybe it is the B.S. part that does this to the folks in the trade).

"I also believe we are poised at an EV technology historical tipping point.  The evidence is out there." Only to those drinking their koolaid. 

 

Well they may have managed to get the politicians to spend our tax money for a business plan that does not economically make any sense...the subsidies are horrendous and the math does not add up. 

I am immune to that Koolaid, so I will not buy one... how does it taste?  

Gentleman I apologize for any misunderstanding.  My original question was an inquiry into a subjective question to find out who made the best replica.  I'm sorry if anyone feels betrayed. I simply wanted to find out from the experts. Especially after feeling duped by SAS and their pitch. I know that Beck has created EVs but when I spoke with them and got the story behind their foray I still believed the opportunity was there. They were actually very encouraging. The problem is that they can't produce enough vehicles for me to have a reliable supply line. 

As for subsidizes, I have not nor would I ever accept a Govt handout. I left my parents house at 18 to enlist in the Marine Corps. I earned my checks from Uncle Sam.

That all being said I do appreciate all of the great feedback. You are obviously a very protective group and I respect that. I honestly didn't mean any misrepresentation.

Oh and when I spoke about the EV changes coming I was referring to the plethora of new companies and existing ones creating new technology through capitalism.  Heck even Adton Martin thinks they can sell electric vehicles.

I thought I was helping a newbie and spent some time replying to what appeared to be a request for help with some knowledge and ideas to share---as did quite a few SOC folks.   If nothing else, it was a nice demonstration of how willing this group is to help someone get into the hobby and provide some honest info on best ways to approach starting with a Speedster.

 

Had I read "I am thinking of starting up  battery operated Speedster business---who are the best manufacturers I should approach to partner up with?"  I wouldn't have even posted.  At least quite a few of offered guidance that may be helpful to a real newbie in the future.

 

Don't mean to come across harsh but ----whatever.

http://youtu.be/UrgpZ0fUixs

> On Oct 30, 2015, at 5:47 PM, SpeedsterOwners.com <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Jack,

I agree with your "positive" approach as I am sure responses will help someone else along the way.

Tom B.,

Great Video, enjoyed the theme all the way.

 

Perhaps this thread can next turn into:  Speedster Replica powered by Cold Fusion? 

hydrogen powered.....    what did you say diesel... naw

Yeah, Jack beat me to it.  The thread went off on an honest review of the builders of record, and was really done very well by all contributors.  Whether or not these thoughts and opinions will persist on the SOC and be available to another potential newbie -?- one can only hope so.  The replies were sincere to a man, and very helpful, I would think.  As to TMW, he admitted his duplicity: "wolf in sheep's clothing".  When a referee in, say basketball, declares a foul, he does not comment on intent.  Intent is not at issue, most of the time.  If you are judged as having infringed on the rules, and get caught, you will be assessed a foul, whether you meant it or not.  Pretty simple.  So, I declare a foul here.  That said, Mr. TMW will be welcome henceforth, IMHO, to post up any thread he might choose espousing his thoughts about electric Speedsters, or any other such vehicle, and we can enjoin him, or not, as is our right and pleasure to do so. Time will tell.  He would certainly not be the first fellow with a proprietary interest to spout off, toot his own horn, and parade his wares.  He will then be judged, honestly I have no doubt, and dealt with accordingly.

 

El Frazoo out.

 

 

 

 

 

Darn it, Mitch, now I get the pose. ��

I do hope this forum will be made available to anyone who finds this site.  Unfortunately there are a lot of disreputable people out there. I wish I had handled this entire thing differently but that's the past.

Now that all that is out of the way, welcome.  I am sure there will be a lot of people interested in your builds.  Air cooled, water cooled, electric...we are all car guys and girls or we wouldn't be here!

Eric,

Speaking for myself, I welcome you as another member to our Madness no matter what.  I would answer the next guy with a similar question (and think most here, will) in the same sincere way.  No regrets.

In fact, I hope that some day I (or someone else here) will have a question about elec. powered vehicles and you will be able to assist with understanding the DC side of vehicle propulsion.  

I, for one, take no offense to your posting.

Tom Lorenzo

 

TMW,

 

Most of us on this site, myself included, have said/typed things they wish they hadn't, in retrospect.  It's not the mistake that's important, it's how you handle it.  You're doing it the right way, with an apology.  Welcome!

........one can easily acquire an incurable Madness as constantly described herein and become a Speedster'holic, resurrecting, building and repairing 39 speedsters as I somehow have managed to do. Having completed the 12 Step Program more than once, I have tried to quit a few times...hence, I "ain't quite done, just yet ~

Ok, Alan, so you are ready to start engineering Project #40?

http://press.porsche.com/news/release.php?id=642

 

Back to the 1900 Lohner-Porsche hybrid, but instead of elec. DC motors on front axle you and Crawdad- Dennis develop the "Cold Fusion"/Combustion engine Hybrid?

Please advise when you start this #40 project, as I will move to PA for the apprenticeship period.

 

One more thing, Alan.

272 kg/598 lb. (with wheel hub motor) therefore all of the conversations about adding weight to the front of our Replicas.  This would take care of that weight distribution problem?

Tom L.

Nope regenerative braking is old school, they are now developing in road charging systems, or so they say...

If you want inexpensive Speedsters without engines call Kirk at Vintage Speedsters.  That way by the time you dump a truck load more money into making it electric it'll still be afforadble.

The problem is that they can't produce enough vehicles for me to have a reliable supply line.

 

TMW:  I'm not sure what I said on the phone to lead you to that conclusion, but we build 80-100 cars per year, every year.  Our waiting list is quite long, but our delivery estimates are accurate.  You'd have to be able to forecast 4-6 months out, and get in the queue (with money), but I am 100% certain that we have the ability to supply you with more EV rollers than you could possibly build...  Just sayin'  

 

Regardless, good luck in your venture.

 

BTW if there is anyone who has a serious interest in a full EV Speedster I have a turn key, 100+ mile range, plug in Speedster, in stock and ready to ship.  Build COST was over $60K and I think my dad would take the first $30K that walked through the door...

That sounds like an electrifying deal...

 

 

 

Yes! I'm Shocked!  

 

~WB

That's a deal thats really going to juice up someones life. .  What kind of transmissions are in the electrics? 

All the ones we've done have been either a pro-drag VW or a Porsche 915 box.

It's very strange not having to use the clutch to start or stop, but you do need it to shift between the gears if you like, or stick it in 3rd/4th and just go...