Why Drive a Speedster?

Why did you choose a 356 Porsche over all the other possible cars you could've spent your money on?

I want one because I grew up with the things, and bought a rusty 1956 coupe a few days after I turned 18. I want one again because that particular car was lacking and always bothered me. I simply didn't have the money to do much to it, especially since the engine blew twice. Besides, I think Speedsters look about a cool as any car I've ever seen, and I love sitting so low in the things, that engine sound right behind me, the clean simple dash and thin ivory wheel, that unique feel as it putters down a back road. Matter of taste of course.

And you?

I needed a car that was as Kul as I am....

"cause it's sexy baby!

The electroshock , castration, ibogaine, and primal scream therapy weren't having any significant effect, so I bought an Intermeccanica. Almost 3 years later I am still at large.

I love old sports cars for their simplicity and character, but I got tired of rust. When I investigated replicas I discovered that the cool people drove Speedsters and/or Spyders. In an effort to find some social acceptance, I got a Speedster. Now I'm considered to be extremely kewl - at least by me.

All things considered, probably the ultimate automotive bang for your buck.

Marshall,

Belfast, ME is a very nice place. I froze my butt off there a year ago in January visiting the in-laws. They live in Thomaston.

That said I was a Mustang guy in high school, a Pontiac nut in the 80's and mid 90's, then restored VW's with the kids and got bit by the air-cooled bug. After selling the last VW in 2001 I bought a 1960 356 Sunroof Coupe because it would be cooler to restore than a VW and they were basicly the same.

Well now the sickness is full on Porsche and my new ride should be done soon.

Intermeccanica Speedster with 911 suspension, 915 transmission and a 235Hp 911 3.0 6 cylinder for power.

To me the ultimate ride.........have fun!

My father took me to Watkins Glen in very eary 50s and as a pre-teenager I saw the Bugatti, Cunningham, Allard, MG, Jaguar, and hand built specials beyond description, all race down mainstreet. Later, I saw many SCCA races at the Glen including Bob Holbert in his Porsche Speedster.

In 1964, I passed up a new 356 for a used 62 Corvette. Had no regrets as two more Corvettes followed.

1974, the Feds lowered the national speed limit to 55 MPH. Sold the Corvette, bought a pickup truck and a fast boat. Didn't get interested in cars again until mid-eighties (god bless fuel injection!). Started visiting Knotts and got that old yearning.

Got laid off work three times in the 90s. Opportunity finally presented itself in 2000. Speedster had solid reputation by then and was way cheaper than the V-8 replicas I really wanted. Guess you could say I got that one off my bucket list!

Marshall, I'm going to have to amend your question to read "... the lines of a 356 Porsche ..." and then answer.
These little cars can be made into whatever you want them to be. The body has enough open air inside of it that the shape lends itself to all kinds of tinkering underneath.
You can do as much or as little to your replica as you want, high-performance all the way down to puttering, and you'll be your own worst critic.
I have chosen to abuse my car mercilessly.

My first car was a Volkswagen Squareback, I traded it for an MG midget, went on to varied little sports cars through the 70's and 80's 944s 911sc and finally an 88 Turbo Cab. Got married in that car. Alfa Romeo spider, TR6,, saw something coming down Route 10 which caught my eye. A little blue Speedster.... I was smitten, what a cool fucking car, Soooo, I built one, and its still a cool f'ing ride. No regrets, throw in some really neat people, shake well, at it all comes together.

One big thing for me is that I can still work on mine.
One look under the hood of my wife's Prius is enough to make me hug my Speedster's motor.

3 reasons why I drive a Speester

1. Cheapest overall yearly cost for a second car.

2. I can most work on it myself.

3. Best of all is right here, the SOC!!!!! Great fun group of other owners.

Driving a Speedster has to be the most fun you can have outside a bed! And, if you take your Speedster to the Drive-In, it is even better!

Regards.

Marshall,

Your intro sounds quite familiar. My first car (1966) was a very rusty '56 A coupe with a motor in it that lasted about the 300 mi I had to get it home. After a full rebuild that put me WAY behind on money, I put many good miles on that mill until the body simply gave out from too much rust. Had a '61 S90 for while after that, but that one got too rusty to run also. Both long gone by now. How does one recapture a mispent youth? I'm guessing Vince will have a lot to say about that, but within the confines of cars and driving, I find reliving the thrill of all of that and more is had w/ the replica Speedster.

Can't afford a Ferrari. ;-)

Seriously? The wife likes the looks of the speedster. Its cute. She wouldn't let me buy a Ferrari when I was able...which was a while back. Before Enzo's death.