Wanted Specialty Auto Cabriolet 356

Do some research first David..

Good luck - there probably have only been 30 total made (guess on my part as I know of only maybe 6-8).  There's been a couple on eBay but they needed some TLC.

Hi David,

There was an entire thread recently (4-6 weeks ago?) on a used SAS that someone was interested in.  Seduction Motorsports inspected the car at n/c for the buyer, and the results were interesting, to say the least.  I'm sure you can find the thread if you use the Search function.  Best of luck and please keep the group informed.

Molleur, Wofgang and Jim

Thanks for the feedback.  My goal is a 356 convert with roll up windows and a subaru engine as a daily driver.

David

Whatever you do, don't put down a deposit on a new one.  Unless you can wait, and wait, and wait...

 Have you looked for a used Intermeccanica?  Roll up windows, some with Subaru engines, and good quality.

 http://intermeccanica.com/athird.net/

Bob: IM S6 posted:

Whatever you do, don't put down a deposit on a new one.  Unless you can wait, and wait, and wait...

 Have you looked for a used Intermeccanica?  Roll up windows, some with Subaru engines, and good quality.

 http://intermeccanica.com/athird.net/

What Bob said; it will be money wasted, as you really will never see it again. The list of people who've given him a deposit and never received anything for it is long- it is documented here in past threads. These days I think he's in the business of taking deposits. The guy turns out a car every couple years and has a waiting list over a dozen? people long- some have been waiting 6 or 7 years.

PS- I know you're looking at used, but all it takes is a phone call and you're talking to a guy who's pretty good (way better than just pretty good, apparently, judging from the line of people he's taken deposits from) at separating people from their hard earned money. Al

Well, DAVIDS is clear in his original post that he is seeking a used SAS. He either knows the horror story about the queue for new, or prefers used.

In any event, everything above is accurate.

Do read the thread on the SAS that Seduction refurbished, DAVIDS, it is enlightening as to the quality of the SAS build.

You might look at some of the rest of the builders who are on the verge of introducing a coupe. Some patience might pay off.

Good luck!

It's like fine wine --- not "whine" before it's time!

If you do a Google Earth look today you'll see nothing like the pic in the previous post. 4601 Mill Branch Lane, Knoxville, Tn. I could be wrong though....maybe all those shells are now inside just getting finished up.....:-)

maybe all those shells are now inside just getting finished up.....:-)

Yes, David, and the Easter Bunny will be visiting your house this year. 

I have to add my negative voice to the foray. Be very very careful.

 If you go into Bing Maps enter the address and then click street view there are 9 body's in a row with Satellite photo dated 2017.....go figure ~

The High Wind Warning Flag... is aloft ,   find a used one it's the only way to go.

Unfortunately, bodies in a row do not equal finished cars, as we all know. 

Yous' a Poet and yous' don't know it :~)

Alan Merklin posted:

Yous' a Poet and yous' don't know it :~)

But I do have a Longfellow...(that's a Rodney Dangerfield joke).

I get no respect either :~)

Gentlemen all-

Thanks for the tremendous advice; the benefit of a true brain trust.  I did find and read the SAS thread at Jim Kelly's suggestion.

In retrospect, I probably asked the wrong question, and should have said...I am looking for a pre-owned roadster/cabriolet as I am 6'1+", with roll up windows and an engine that does not require frequent maintenance like the old VWs and Porsches (points, condenser, valve lash adjustment, etc.) as a daily driver.  But most importantly, a well built automobile.  To that end, what makes would you suggest.  Intermeccanica was suggested.  What about JPS, Beck, Vintage, and Special Edition?  I need someone who has been making good autos for years as I am buying used.

Again, thank you for your collective insight.

David

David, where do you live in Maryland?  I'm in northern Maryland. 

 

 

With the SAS the engine is directly behind the driver's seat - it doesn't allow a lot of rearward seat adjustment.  Suspect 6'1" would be maximum height.  

Beck is also called Special Edition (same company).  Use of Subaru engines in Speedsters is relatively new - 5 years or so but much more popular last few years.  You will find used Beck's and IMs with Audi/VW 1.8-2.0L water cooled engines too.  IM has some outstanding Porsche 911 powered (with 911 suspension) Speedsters - they are a modern engine.  

New IMs go $80-84K and up.  They do have a pre-owned site.  Suspect Canadian ones would be difficult to import to U.S. 

http://intermeccanica.com/athi...r-vehicles/pre-owned

http://www.beckspeedster.com

Look at the Beck site and see what they are all about. Contact Carey and see what a new build would run. Otherwise tell him what you're after and he can keep a look out for a used one for you.

Henry at IM has his finger on the used Intermeccanica market.  He may be able to direct you to the right seller.

I'm 6'1" and could barely fit in a SAS. I drove to Knoxville to met Steve and look at a car he was helping to sell... I came home angry and under-whelmed.
Henry does list a lot of IMs on his site, but he has not seen or serviced most of those cars. He is simply posting what the owner is telling him. (I am living proof of that not working out well). But if you want a tall windshiled and roll up windows, tha tis about your only option. Just make sure to have it checkout thoroughly before buying!!!  Don't believe what you read, even at Henry's site. 
Another thought - and this is what I would do if I had to do it again - buy a clean speedster (Beck would be my choice) and keep it as a 4th, fun, nice weather car -  a 4 wheel motorcycle kind of thing.
Personally through busted knuckles, money, and time, I am forging an attachment to my IM roadster, and I love the look of the thing.
But being basically a frugal kind of guy - I could have gotten a speedster and a used Cayman S for the same money I have in the IM. 

Wise of you to ask first David.

Be aware that Beck also makes Convertible Ds (Roadsters), albeit in small numbers.  If you really want one as your daily driver you absolutely want roll-up windows and a good top.  Depending on where you are you may want A/C as well.

What Lane said. I, personally, could only recommend either Beck or IM. I'm a Beck owner, so you know my bias.
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Bob,
You are correct sir, I did fly down and look at the car. I did not do a through inspection ,because I believed what was written on the IM website. I saw it need some AC work and the carbs reeked of gas... but I had no idea of the extent of work that lay ahead... My mistake. That is why I am warning future purchasers... don't believe what your read on that site. I know it all falls on me, I was pushed for time and made assumptions. Also I do not blame Henry in any way. He just parroted what he was told...
Even so it has been an effort not to be bitter. And I hope soon to be enjoying the car - up to now ,not much fun.

Well, I hope you can bring it to Carlisle this year or next. 

It will be good to meet you. 

Thaks Bob. Jezzz. I wish I could make it this year. But realistically 2018. I might fly up just to say hello to everyone and see the rides. Trying to juggle a lot in May right now. Thanks again.

I have a Cayenne S and a VS. I have manage to put 23k on the Speedster. However it is at this point in time a 4th car and is in winter storage. If you want a daily driver it would be wise to live close to a great mechanic or be pretty handy yourself. I have almost warn out my welcome with AAA.

The Cayenne does not break down. 

 

David: if you find a Cab with an air-cooled engine you don't want to play with, you can bring it over and I'll Subify it with/for you. 

WOLFGANG posted:

I always thought that shot made a very attractive automobile look like a ski-boat.

There, I said it.

The reality is that some IM's are only listed on the site as a listing service and the info is  not guaranteed nor represented to be that way.  You essentially get the build sheet and what was supposed to be in there.  I really is buyer beware at all times... 

The cars that are sold via IM themselves as used are a different story as IM must stand behind them. 

Motocarlo you are absolutely right there is a lot on info that may or may not be shared so you really have to go over the car before you commit to a used one even with low miles and especially if it has been sitting for a while.  Having bought many cars in my lifetime I always repeat "there is always another deal"  whenever I feel uncomfortable with a car and I decide not to buy it.  

I have an IM and I have the tall body(torso) package I am 6'1" as well and I needed a roadster and had all sorts of mods made to fit Recaro seats and have greater seat travel.  

Let's just say that my wife can't see over the dash board without a cushion but my son is fine and I often think I might need shims if she ever gets more interested in riding. 

I'm 6'2" and 280lbs.

I got lucky, and found a used SAS Cabriolet that was built and delivered in 2012.  It has all the most recent bells & whistles, including a power assisted top.

Mine has been a great car thus far, with plenty of legroom and headroom.  Hell, I even have plenty of shoulder room too.

No complaints from me.

That being said, I was ready to contract with Beck fro a Subi powered speedster when the SAS popped up.   I really wanted the extra couple of inches in windshield height.