Top Gear take on replica

Interesting article, thanks! Drive-ability, reliability, availability of parts, while still retaining a uniquenness - all factors for me!

I think this is an absolute home run. 

I was just corresponding this morning with one of my best friends who has a beautiful 911T  in flawless original Tangerine paint, and whose  real Speedster sports a Wilhoit built engine and happens to be in Wilhoits garage getting tuned and readied for a drive from Dana Point up to Monterey for the big week. Arajani has driven my friends Speedster and, I think, has maybe been a little inspired by it.

In any event, we were discussing the relative merits of real vs. replica. He is intrigued by the replica phenomenon and thinks it makes perfect sense. This from a devoted PCA and 356 Club member. 

I love him like a brother, but even if he didn't approve, I'd drive the crud out of my fake.

I wonder if VW bus prices are reaching the point where replica production makes sense? Probably not, as long as there are split window busses built up to 1974 still available cheap from Brazil. Always wanted to see Rio...... plus you can buy every part, panel and fixture for one from several places here.

Maybe that is the answer, just buy the repop parts and assemble one, wait....that's a replica!

I'd consider myself a semi-pro in this arena, as I currently own both real and replica Porsches.

Replicas definitely allow for customization without as much of a risk for financial penalty. They are more amenable to modernization and driveability. My French blue 550 with a 180 hp engine is such an example. 

But what makes original cars cool is exactly that -- the fact that they are original. The character is immutable, even after they've been restored, in many cases. For those who like the very small details of the original cars, they certainly have their place. I just bought a 1966 Porsche 912 with 24,000 original miles. The trunk carpet still has the horsehair on the back. The interior is leather (a rare option), and still smells like leather. The windshield is original, with the original SIGLA stamps. There's something cool about that too. 

One thing is for sure: between the two cars, I'll be seen in my replica 100x more often than the 912, because I feel like I can break it and fix it without having to purchase unobtainium. 

The best of both worlds (if you want both worlds like @Teby S, @TRP and I do) is what is coming out of Restoration Design in Guelph, ON, Canada. A FULL steel speedster made of all repro metal panels. $75k. Put a nice type I in the back and have a ball. Or, if you're an idiot like me, get a Willhoit 2.2L 356 motor and transmission.

Anand

Anand:

You, sir, are far from being an idiot, but you do have the madness!!!

There is no vaccine, and no antidote.

@Panhandle Bob: Thanks! We all have the affliction -- some with more severe features than others. 

There had been more than one original speedster owner here who also owns a replica to drive regularly.
-=theron

I have a pretty extensive set of Snap On Tools. I would never grind or bend one to get the job done so I buy a Craftsman, modify it, and get the job done........Bruce

Years ago knew a guy that had a real 1936 Auburn Speedster and a replica. Took the real one to shows and drove the replica on tours.  Sold a very nice  57 TR3 to buy my VS speedster.. Even though the TR was mechanically rebuilt it was still a 50 y/o british sports car.  I wouldn't have been comfortable driveing it as far from home as I do the speedster.

^ Very cool. Bob!   @Bob Hampton