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Wannabe needs some guidance

Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
All,

I've been lurking at this site for a while and lusting after some of the cars I've seen. I'm wanting to get back into the old sports car hobby after an absence of several years and I could use some help in deciding.

In the past I've partially restored MG Midgets and won a few tropies while I enjoyed the drive. I sold my last one a few years ago and have only recently had a strong urge to dive back in. My problems are these:
1. My current garage only holds two cars. I have a new daily driver and don't want to park it outside. This one will take some thought.
2. For a long while I thought I wanted a Cobra, but they're to expensive for a good one - and getting to be a little common.
3. I'm used to British cars and like some of their traits. But I HATE rust and dealing with it. Don't really want to do a full restoration.
4. I've never driven or even sat in a Spyder, but I love the looks and the basic nature of the car. If it's as immediate and involving as a Midget (probably moreso) it would be great.

I guess I'm rambling here, but I could use some insight into what you folks really like (and dislike) about your cars. What sort of problems have you had with titling and insuring a replica? How do they hold up over time compared to a non-replica? Does anyone within reasonable distance from Charleston, SC have one I could look at?

Thanks for whatever insight you can provide.

Lane

Formerly 2006 Beck Speedster (Carlisle build car), 1964 Beck Super Coupe

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Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
All,

I've been lurking at this site for a while and lusting after some of the cars I've seen. I'm wanting to get back into the old sports car hobby after an absence of several years and I could use some help in deciding.

In the past I've partially restored MG Midgets and won a few tropies while I enjoyed the drive. I sold my last one a few years ago and have only recently had a strong urge to dive back in. My problems are these:
1. My current garage only holds two cars. I have a new daily driver and don't want to park it outside. This one will take some thought.
2. For a long while I thought I wanted a Cobra, but they're to expensive for a good one - and getting to be a little common.
3. I'm used to British cars and like some of their traits. But I HATE rust and dealing with it. Don't really want to do a full restoration.
4. I've never driven or even sat in a Spyder, but I love the looks and the basic nature of the car. If it's as immediate and involving as a Midget (probably moreso) it would be great.

I guess I'm rambling here, but I could use some insight into what you folks really like (and dislike) about your cars. What sort of problems have you had with titling and insuring a replica? How do they hold up over time compared to a non-replica? Does anyone within reasonable distance from Charleston, SC have one I could look at?

Thanks for whatever insight you can provide.

Lane
FM Former Member
Lane: The best suggestion I could give you regarding the good/bad/pros/cons of Spyders would be to browse the various folders on this site.
I can say that they are few automobiles out there that can match a Spyder for just being a gas to drive. In most areas, they are rare and attract attention. They are a little scary to drive in traffic because of their small size and the profusion of trucks and SUV's (at least in Arizona).
You would be hard pressed to find a vehicle that will provide as much pleasure per dollar as a Spyder.
Hopefully, there is someone close by that would be willing to give you a test drive.
Good Luck!
FM Former Member
As well as this excellent site.
Take a look at www.speedsters.co.uk
Within the UK site there is a wealth of information and the spyders owners are represented also.
Plenty more to look at and drool over,
As for choice? I've owned,wolseley's, MG's, Jags,Hillmans, Austins, Minis(classic)JZRs ( replica Morgan Threewheelers) and been restoring and running classic bikes cars for 30yrs ( and I'm still not 50!)
My Spyder is the most fun Ive had with my clothes on.....
Don't wait get your hands on a spyder now

Good hunting

Magwa
Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
Guys,

Thanks for the comments. I am located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, a suburb of Charleston. I would love to ride in a Spyder if anyone on this forum is in my area. It's Spyder weather most of the year here - all year with a top. I've seen a few Cobras around, as well as some Vipers, old British iron, and assorted other sports cars, but no Spyders as yet.

Do any of you guys ever go to the kit car show at Carlisle in the spring? I'm hoping to go next year so that I can look at some of these beauties up close and personal. Do they allow you to climb into them? Is there ever any way to get a test drive?

One question that I didn't include yesterday - How would you compare the ownership experience to that of a Speedster replica? How about the driving characteristics?

Thanks again for the feedback,
Lane
FM Former Member
Lane -

Check the registry on this site...You will be able to see the location of anyone who is a member here and how far they are from you. It does show a Spyder in Savannah, GA, and another in Raleigh, NC. I had heard that there was a Spyder for sale in Savannah, but don't know if that is the same car. I'm located about 80 miles north of Atlanta and about 8 hours from Charleston. I'd be happy for you to come over....Whether or not it's worth your time is up to you.

TMc
FM Former Member
hey,

my first car was a 69 AH Sprite - predessesor to the midget. Had a 1275cc engine if I recall. Loved to run slightly out of tune and once the dash smoked big time. One Halloween I caught someone actually trying to steal it...chased him in my costume for about a block...in high heels.

fun car.
Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
My first car was a '62 Midget (948cc, side curtains, lotsa rust) while my last MG was a '65 Midget (1098cc, roll-up windows, trophy winner). Both had the most direct steering I've ever felt, but were seriously underpowered. Still, they were a blast to drive. I imagine that the Spyder is similar. Both weigh about the same, are very small, and are extremely responsive - if a bit twitchy. The major difference seems to be that the Spyder is seriously fast, while the Midgets were not. I gotta get a ride in one of these things...
FM Former Member
Lane I'm kinda far from you[in the S.E. corner of Alabama] But if you make any trips to the gulf shore I'm on the way. Love to give a demo 'cause a nice fella from Ga. did that for me a while back.Anyway ,mine is a Beck [I was too old to wait years], 2165 cc,but a little warmer than the turnkey[188 HP.] custom built transaxle with Quaife LSD, goes like stink!!!Most bang for the buck. E-mail me if you want to come this far,be happy to help.
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