thinking of replica, new or used

Gents...

I've had 2 1965 356C and 356SC and loved them both. I sold my last one about 3 years ago and do miss it. However I'm thinking of getting another one, a convertible, considering the cost of a real one I'm thinking about a replica. I've priced Vintage Speedsters at $18,500 which is a great price on a "new" replica of such quality but I'm thinking about picking up one used. I'm in the Atlanta area. What do y'all think?

I've seen several old convertibles that are just out of my price range, not to mention I'm not a purist as far as engine/body matching. My first 356C was all matching but my 356 SC was not

Start used, find what you like or dislike then when you are ready buy a new one or just keep upgrading the original one. Lots of opportunities to do what you want. All it takes is $$ but a lot less than an original.
Troy

You can make a replica look just like an "original", but why bother. I mean its fun to put a lot of the original looking parts and such on, but who wants to pay the extra money for the Porsche maintenance on a porsche engine and you would have to figure out a way to make fiberglass look like it has some rust on it.

I also laugh at the concours original when it comes to the 356, because so much of what is on the real cars out there is not original and even when they were new they had a lot of stuff put on at the dealership, so they would put on different parts and in different locations anyway.

thanks I looked at VS and the Becks replica. I'll probably end up buying a used one for 10-15K or so... trying it for a while and seeing what I like. both of my 356 were garage kept but still had rust problems. I like the idea of something new to drive that is mechanically more sound but also that here in Atlanta if I get rear ended I'm not totally hosed on a real one. Also... like you said what's the diff anyway so many of the real ones have so many replica parts the only origional part is the body/rust. thanks

William,

If you have the chance to come Carlisle in May you will have the opportunity to compare Speedsters from several different manufacturers side by side. You will also be able to talk with owners about their opinions as to what makes a good replica.

Karl

William, Karl's right. But it's more than getting good information, it's like joining family. This is not the usual thing for a SIG (special interest group), but having been around here for a while, I think I speak with some authority. There is some good stuff here; Do one of the events, left coast, right coast, and you will see what I mean.
Enjoy
John H

Bill:

I'm a Winter resident of Beaufort, SC and I suspect that one of the other Beaufort Speedster guys, Peter McEwan, may be making the trip to Carlisle. You can contact him via email through this forum (check the registry), if you wish, and maybe hook up for the trip North to Carlisle.

There are a number of used Speedster replicas for sale, both on Ebay and in the classified section of this site. I, personally, would trust those sold through this site more, as I would have experience with some of the sellers as members of the site and know a little about how they've driven and taken care of their cars. Many have been selling in the $15K - $25K range for extremely nice examples - a LOT less than many of the "originals" I've seen for sale elsewhere. In addition, the replicas often produce more power (which was ALWAYS a problem with the originals), are far less expensive to repair or buy parts for, and the fiberglass bodies simply won't rust (although corrosion and pitting of the chrome can be a problem, and many of us have painted the pans and suspension with Rustoleum or have had them powder coated).

Try looking here first, and if you find one elsewhere, let us know about it with a Post and we'll try to help you decide if it's a good deal or not.

Gordon
One of the "Speedstah Guys" from Beaufort (Winter) and Rhode Island (Summer)

William,

I concur with the general opinion- a used replica will save you several thousand dollars while you decide what you really want. Kirk's base price on a VS is fantastic, but many "extras" are just that- extra. If you buy a really nice used car, it may very well cost the same or more than the base VS, but come equipped with lots of options that would really drive the price of a new car up. If you've never had one of these cars, its really hard to know what you need and what you don't

Before I had a replica, I couldn't imagine owning a car of any kind without A/C- I thought I really needed it (it gets hot here in the summer- and humid). Once I had a speedster with no air, I wondered what I was thinking- I really wouldn't want it. You can be reasonably certain that you don't want the base 1600 cc, single carb engine and drum brakes, beyond that you really have to own one for a while to get the feel for what is desirable to you. Some guys want all kinds of original looking stuff, and the kind of carpet bindings and dash knobs start to make a big difference, some guys really don't care as long as it works well. I thought I was in the second (don't care) group with my first car, but quickly started becoming a "retro-grouch" after less than a year. I really care now about all sorts of arcane stuff that I didn't even know existed before I bought the first one, and didn't care enough to buy when I had my JPS built (10 slot wheels, wide-5 bolt pattern, under dash unbrella-handle e-brake, etc.). Stuff like that costs money- you'll never know if you want it until you have one.

The point is this- I'd get something with enough options that you can tell what you need/want and what is extraneous before you have one built. Unless you are a guy like Bill Steele and can build the perfect car right out of the chute (and nobody else is- you're the man, Bill), I'd do it this way- you can get a lot more for your buck buying used. Then build the car of your dreams after you've had the car a few years and know what you want. Good luck.

Thanks guys I do appreciate all of the help. I checked out a number of manufacturers online and I may try to check out an event this year. The west coast show conflicts with a trip to see my in-laws and the east coast show conflicts with a trip I have to New Mexico. Are there any trips planned during the summer/fall?

Either that or if I do buy new, I

Buy a used speedster
Drive it for a year, and (this is important) put as little money into it as possible. This is very hard to do (experience talking here), but persevere.
After the year, decide...sell the speedster, take a small loss and move on, or fix up the speedster (bad plan), or order a brand new one (good plan)...just the way you want it.

Good Advice Ron.

thanks again... I think I'll order a new one and save myself the hassle. Both of my other 356's here 1965 and there both took plenty to keep running.