Tops

You've got apples, oranges, and a couple of other fruits there.  The top one is a real Speedster, while the second one is a good replica.  Originals, and most replicas have a top that is not permanently affixed to the body.  The frame is a very simple affair that the top canvas is loosely attached to.  It fold in the area behind the seats.  Speedster don't have a real back seat, but some had a padded thingie that you could put a couple of very small kids on.  Some replicas have a somewhat more elaborate top that is permanently attached to the body and and has what's called a scissors frame.  Check out the Beck website (beckspeedster.com) for a series of photos that illustrate that.  FYI, Intermeccanica Speedsters also have roll-up windows, but the originals never did.

The third pictures is an Intemeccanica Convertible D replica (for Drauz, the coach builder of the original Porsche version) that Henry (that's him in the white shirt) calls the Roadster.  They have a taller windshield and a top similar to the Beck.  They also have roll-up windows and plusher seats.  I believe Porsche created them to civilize the Speedster somewhat.  The few differences are as I described, but technically they are not Speedsters.  Porsche continued that body style into the 356 B series, and then adopted the Roadster name. They're fairly rare.

The final picture appears to be a 4-seat replica of a sort I haven't seen here in the states, but I know some exist in Europe.

Here's link to some costly Speedsters recently sold.  They show the common black/black top but also a tan with black lining top.  One has red tonneau but suspect a black top.

http://www.supercars.net/cars/5475.html

Original Speedsters were stripped down to save weight and cost - hence rear area was a lightly padded bench.  On replicas the simple steel top hoop could be secured with wing nut and made completely removable - guess you'd gain 3 inches in rear area.

I had a '62 356 Karman Knotchback (the roadster body with fixed steel top - which proved unpopular).  It had real padding and fold up/down seat bases - assume the roadsters had same.

Greg, thanks for the above link. Seeing the prices on those cars puts it all into perspective.

I might even take mine out for a ride yet this fall.

That 4th photo is of a twin grill (late B or C) cabriolet that has a speedster windshield grafted onto it...making the cab top useless, so it's simply been removed.

You're right, Carl. Now I see the different rear profile.  Kinda weird looking to me.

U GUYS CRACK ME UP