Okay, silly question, but I will be visiting Intermeccanica, driving up for the day from Seattle. I'd like to avoid wasting time hunting down lunch. Any recommendations (preferably one that takes US$ or credit cards)?
Thanks.
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Okay, silly question, but I will be visiting Intermeccanica, driving up for the day from Seattle. I'd like to avoid wasting time hunting down lunch. Any recommendations (preferably one that takes US$ or credit cards)?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Burger King is right in front of IM. Or there are lots of restaurants along Robson Street in downtown. I guess most of restaurant in Vancouver takes US$ or credit card.
BTW I also live in Seattle (actually eastside). I can show you my IM if you're interested.
BTW I also live in Seattle (actually eastside). I can show you my IM if you're interested.
I live a couple of blocks from IM. IM is at 1st and Main. Across the street there is a Berger King, next to that a Mac
Kazuyuki, thanks for the offer. I imagine visiting the factory will give me a good feel for the cars. I'll be visiting family in Kirkland. Are you nearby?
Hi Bruce,
yes, visiting factory is pretty interesting and exciting. I've been there several times and there were always few completed customers' vehicles. I guess Henry will let you test drive his demo car if you ask beforehand.
Also you may want to check the thread "Forum:Vendor Specific" / "Topic: Other intermeccanica options" for the options that may not in official option list (Thanks George).
I live in Bellevue and my office is in Redmond. Send me e-mail kazuyuks@hotmail.com to see when we can meet.
yes, visiting factory is pretty interesting and exciting. I've been there several times and there were always few completed customers' vehicles. I guess Henry will let you test drive his demo car if you ask beforehand.
Also you may want to check the thread "Forum:Vendor Specific" / "Topic: Other intermeccanica options" for the options that may not in official option list (Thanks George).
I live in Bellevue and my office is in Redmond. Send me e-mail kazuyuks@hotmail.com to see when we can meet.
Actually, when I was in to see Henry a few weeks ago he had just finished an IM with a 3.2 Porsche motor in it (approx. 275 hp). I asked if I could take it out and Henry said, "sure", and threw me the keys. So, off I went for a 3 hour drive. I went for a drive in the mountains and really put that puppy through its paces. 275 hp in a 356 replica is awesome. When I returned the car to Henry I gave him some ideas on how to improve the suspension, for better handling. Henry thanked me and asked me if I wanted to come back and test drive George's car when it's ready.
Ron
(p.s. Some of the above story may not be true)
Ron
(p.s. Some of the above story may not be true)
Ron, we will be selling test drives in my new car to help pay for it...
i also work a block away from IM ( somnetimes )
might want to try Monks, just down 1st, right on the water, or Stamps right next door, a bar, again right over the water.
Monsoon is really good as well, but not much of a view,
Jim's is kinda cool - funky - good artisy place, go there, but never take clients there;-)
enjoy the city
d.
l
My wife and I were just there this week. We found a bunch of great places to eat on Hamilton near Davie St. It is restaurant row there and they all looked good. We ate at Bluewater cafe which was excellent and some Italian place across the street which was also excellent. Have fun!
Thanks everyone!
What an experience! Henry was great - he spent an entire afternoon with me, my wife and my two brothers. He showed us the whole process, answered many questions and let me test-drive two Roadsters. Then we sat down and discussed what I want to do with the car in terms of looks as well as mechanicals. It is amazing and inspiring to see the kind of dedication to quality that Henry posesses. He and his crew put a lot into every car, and it shows. I must say, I was on Cloud 9 when I left the shop.
But, I'm coming down off the cloud, finding myself feeling a bit overwhelmed and aprehensive about one thing - cost. Once you go to a performance motor, you need a different transmission, wider wheels, disc brakes all around, an oil cooler and suspension upgrades. Those options add up quick! And the weak US dollar is not helping me either. Throw in a Raby engine and 901 5-speed, and it's gonna be over the top. The Super 90 engine is looking more and more attractive as I look at the new price sheet.
I'll put some photos up on my web site in the next couple days.
What an experience! Henry was great - he spent an entire afternoon with me, my wife and my two brothers. He showed us the whole process, answered many questions and let me test-drive two Roadsters. Then we sat down and discussed what I want to do with the car in terms of looks as well as mechanicals. It is amazing and inspiring to see the kind of dedication to quality that Henry posesses. He and his crew put a lot into every car, and it shows. I must say, I was on Cloud 9 when I left the shop.
But, I'm coming down off the cloud, finding myself feeling a bit overwhelmed and aprehensive about one thing - cost. Once you go to a performance motor, you need a different transmission, wider wheels, disc brakes all around, an oil cooler and suspension upgrades. Those options add up quick! And the weak US dollar is not helping me either. Throw in a Raby engine and 901 5-speed, and it's gonna be over the top. The Super 90 engine is looking more and more attractive as I look at the new price sheet.
I'll put some photos up on my web site in the next couple days.
Bruce, unless you want "the look" you can "86" wider wheels and big tires. My "D" with 165 to 170 BHP came with 5.5"x15" wheels using 195/65x15" Michelin radials and that's more than enough rubber on the road for that car. Even 185/60 or 185/65 would probably be fine unless you want to autocross.
Henry will be putting 185's on my new Speedster and it will have over 200 BHP (but also a torque-biased limited slip differential).
(Message Edited 8/20/2003 5:17:57 PM)
Henry will be putting 185's on my new Speedster and it will have over 200 BHP (but also a torque-biased limited slip differential).
(Message Edited 8/20/2003 5:17:57 PM)
You're right, Bruce. The cost can add up. I just bought a used IM, and even then I had a few restless nights thinking about the expense. But, they are good cars, and seem to hold their value. Any well constructed 356 replica seems to do well on the resale market; but,
who wants to buy one to sell it? You want to buy one to drive it, and a good replica is a joy to drive.
So, decide what your budget is; what you 'need' vs 'want'; and go from there.
RJC
(Message Edited 8/20/2003 5:37:59 PM)
who wants to buy one to sell it? You want to buy one to drive it, and a good replica is a joy to drive.
So, decide what your budget is; what you 'need' vs 'want'; and go from there.
RJC
(Message Edited 8/20/2003 5:37:59 PM)
Bruce,
My Conv D has a 2110 w/ the 901 5spd and the combination is great. You can always start w/ the super 90 and upgrade later if you want a bigger engine. However if you go with the 2110 and 901 5spd you will enjoy the upgrade every time you go for a drive.
Add rack and pinion steering and this car drives very similar to my 1974 911S only it is a little faster.
Karl
My Conv D has a 2110 w/ the 901 5spd and the combination is great. You can always start w/ the super 90 and upgrade later if you want a bigger engine. However if you go with the 2110 and 901 5spd you will enjoy the upgrade every time you go for a drive.
Add rack and pinion steering and this car drives very similar to my 1974 911S only it is a little faster.
Karl
Bruce,
I can relate. Just sent my deposit in. Once we optioned it the way we wanted it, the car was about 44k. But as you say, the work and detail Henry puts into the car is incredible. The quality is incredible. I really think in many ways I am getting a better 356 than if I were back in '59 and had an original. I don't plan on selling it at all. It will be great fun and most definitely not a run of the mill car.
Scott
I can relate. Just sent my deposit in. Once we optioned it the way we wanted it, the car was about 44k. But as you say, the work and detail Henry puts into the car is incredible. The quality is incredible. I really think in many ways I am getting a better 356 than if I were back in '59 and had an original. I don't plan on selling it at all. It will be great fun and most definitely not a run of the mill car.
Scott
If you can swing it, get the bigger motor now. I had a 1776 (similar hp to a super 90) put in mine and after driving it for a few years, I upgrade to a 2110. If I had it to do over I would have spent the extra money for the 2110 in the first place. Anyway you look at it, it will cost you a lot more to upgrade down the road. Don't believe anyone who tells you different...I've been there.
Ron
Ron
Scott, you are absolutely right. My first IM was far superior in every respect to the original 1956 Porsche Speedster I owned years ago. I'm sure your new car (and mine) will be also.
Pictures posted! See my web site:
www.bruceclement.com/356
(Message Edited 8/21/2003 1:28:40 PM)
www.bruceclement.com/356
(Message Edited 8/21/2003 1:28:40 PM)
Bruce, nice site. So what colour did you choose (or did you already mention that)?
Ron
Ron
I haven't placed my order yet, but if and when I do, it will be silver/red/black. Or more specifically, 5706 Silver Metalic (same as Henry's car - the one with the blue top), Espana 8080 Red leather interior, black/grey cut pile carpet, and black top with tan lining.
Ditto, on the nice site Bruce. I now don't have to go to the cold weather to visit Henry's place. It is much like I imagined it, with the car brainiac himself holding court. I have greatly enjoyed my Intermec Roadster, as I did my Vintage Speedster. As consumers/users of these vehicles, I think we're obliged to do our part to keep ALL of the good guys in this business. I heartily recommend Henry's product to all that can afford it, and to those who can't, the VS is a great car too.
George, you wrote:
"Bruce, unless you want "the look" you can "86" wider wheels and big tires. My "D" with 165 to 170 BHP came with 5.5"x15" wheels using 195/65x15" Michelin radials and that's more than enough rubber on the road for that car. Even 185/60 or 185/65 would probably be fine unless you want to autocross"
Does your car (new or old) have the same suspension set up, but just uses 5.5 wheels all around, instead of 7.0 on the back? I'm curious if you can just replace the 7.0 rear wheels with 5.5 wheels, and not have to do any other suspension changes.
"Bruce, unless you want "the look" you can "86" wider wheels and big tires. My "D" with 165 to 170 BHP came with 5.5"x15" wheels using 195/65x15" Michelin radials and that's more than enough rubber on the road for that car. Even 185/60 or 185/65 would probably be fine unless you want to autocross"
Does your car (new or old) have the same suspension set up, but just uses 5.5 wheels all around, instead of 7.0 on the back? I'm curious if you can just replace the 7.0 rear wheels with 5.5 wheels, and not have to do any other suspension changes.
Robert, "old" car has the optional larger 24mm rear torsion bars, 19mm front and rear anti-sway bars, Bilstein shock absorbers, and non-assisted rack and pinion steering. Wheels are 4-lug 5.5"x15" steel Mangels with 4 wheel disk brakes, and 195/65x15" tires. 901 5-speed does not have a limited-slip differential (LSD).
New car suspension is the same except that the VW ball-joint front end has some leaves removed from the top to "soften up" the front suspension, Koni adjustable shocks instead of Bilsteins, and will be running stock (as opposed to "dropped") front spindles. Wheels are 5.5"x15" 356A wide-five replica wheels from Alex Bivens with 4 wheel disk brakes. The aluminum wheels are each six pounds lighter than Mangels which should help the suspension do its thing, and of course damping is adjustable on the Konis. Tires will be 185/65x15". This 901 5-speed will have a torque-biased LSD.
(Message Edited 8/27/2003 12:35:27 PM)
New car suspension is the same except that the VW ball-joint front end has some leaves removed from the top to "soften up" the front suspension, Koni adjustable shocks instead of Bilsteins, and will be running stock (as opposed to "dropped") front spindles. Wheels are 5.5"x15" 356A wide-five replica wheels from Alex Bivens with 4 wheel disk brakes. The aluminum wheels are each six pounds lighter than Mangels which should help the suspension do its thing, and of course damping is adjustable on the Konis. Tires will be 185/65x15". This 901 5-speed will have a torque-biased LSD.
(Message Edited 8/27/2003 12:35:27 PM)
George, are you sure the Koni's will adjust soft enough? The koni's I've used adjust from "firm" to "very firm". Eddie
Eddie, there are different Konis; the blue ones are "stock", the red ones are usually stiffest, and the yellow ones are usually "sport" shocks. At least that's the way they used to be - I had the yellow ones and Koni springs on my 1981 Scirocco "S" and they worked very well. We're putting the blue ones on my Speedster - if they don't work well I'll replace them with Bilsteins.