What do you think about this SAS?

I have a SAS 1957 Porsche Speedster that was finished in 2008. I bought it 2 months ago and love it. It has the same engine and trans, but has bumpers and a top. This is a good price for this car, but find out how many miles are on the donor engine and trans, not what the speedometer says. Also, find out what the cost will be to make it street legal.

If you have more questions, contact me.

jackbasse@yahoo.com

It has been awhile since I last looked at the specs on this car and talked with Steve at SAS on it.  Yes, this car was built by SAS but left the shop in a much different configuration for road use.  The owner then took the car and prepared it for racing and fundamentally changed its character from a daily use road car to a race car.

The price is only right if this is what you want.  If you want to race the car, this may be the one to buy.  But if you are expecting any creature comforts, this is not the car.  Almost every road convenience has been removed.  To my knowledge, this is the only SAS car that has been stripped down to this extent.

It definitely didn't look like any of the other SAS tubs that I have seen. That's why I posted the inquiry. I personally am looking for more of a daily driver, at least with bumpers and a top. 

I never really understood how mid-engine the SAS builds were until I saw these photos. That motor is really sitting right behind you. Probably handles great.

Right now I don't have the time to make the mods that I would want. Likely not the project that I am looking for right now. 

Ferrari engines often sit in the same place.  The seal on the engine compartment is good so heat and noise are reduced significantly.  I recall saying to Steve that it was a shame that a car that left the shop in such a nice road configuration had essentially been stripped to the basics.  You might want to pass on this one.

Yes, they do handle great.  You can read Gordon Nichols' review of his drive in my car on the SAS website.  Also, a buddy of mine that lives in my village has driven it several times and pronounced the handling as excellent.  He was an SCCA instructor years ago and was himself a major 356 fan.  It's a shame that this particular car was stripped for the track.  I would be concerned that it may have been abused in the process but the price is rather attractive if it is basically sound.   

Hoss

Yes, by all means--skip it. It is a well-known fact that, once bumpers are taken off, they can never, ever be reattached. This car is obviously ruined.

That rear deck-lid with no vent grille makes it look like its been neutered.

I'm just saying...

I'm sure everything "wrong" with this car can be fixed by Steve Lawing, if not by the new owner.  Might be worth the effort/cost/time if the sales price is right.

I can't believe this car was ever raced without a roll bar.  Autocross maybe, but on the track...never.