Would like to see one

Hi. I have just started looking for a Replica Porsche Speedster. I live in Athens Cty in SE Ohio. I sure would like to see one first hand and especially if you live in Ohio so that I could ask questions about Ohio

Contact the builders (Makers tab above) and ask them if they have customers near you, and if you can contact said customers. Might work out. Join the SOC and look in the registry sorted by distance (ZIP code derived, no doubt). Then send e-mails. That's about all I would know how to do. Also, come to the Carlisle show, but that is not until next spring. Might be able to find something on the Hemmings website, wherein they purport to list car events all over the country. Sometimes VW = Speedsters too, maybe.

Welcome aboard Tom!
1st off, the term "kit" is pretty much inappropriate because the overwhelming majority of these cars are built and sold as complete and drivable units. I think the "kit" term is a hang-over from years gone by.
In California, older model cars are not required to be "smogged". I think this is true in many other states as well. Since VW pan based Speedys are registered as the old cars that they started out as, smog equipment is not needed. For example, my car (seen below) is registered as a '74 VW.
My advice is take your time. Study Ebay autos. As the cooler weather comes, prices will drop. Also, be sure to read Theron's post at the top of this forum.
Best of luck in your new life!

Those were quick responses. Thanks.
I have looked at the 'Registry'. I just thought that instead of me contacting someone out of the Blue, that if I had what I have posted that would give a person the ability to contact me if they wanted. That way I'm not imposing on anyone.
Tom

You're not "imposing" at all Tom. Pretty much all of us love to hear from someone else who wants to jump into the speedster/spyder waters! If you don't get a reply from your message, don't worry about it, the next 5 people will probably email you back immediately!

angela

Tom -

Try this link. A lot of SOC'ers have added their name to this locator map. Maybe you can see who's reasonably close to you.

http://www.frappr.com/speedsterowners


Peace - Out!

Tom,
Your best bet might be to contact Tom Buchanan (porscheavw). He is about 45 minutes from Athens in Parkersburg, WV. He is extremely knowlegable about the speedsters. I know that when I had questions, he was more than generous with info. Even took the time to show me specifics on his car along with a ride.
Hope this helps,
Jim

States rules vary greatly, so the best information will come from somebody who lives in Ohio and has a replica Speedy registered there. My VS Speedster was registered as a '68 Volkswagen in Illinois (many moons ago) but was not exempt from the smog inspection in that state. My notice to appear at the smog station was forwarded from Illinois to my new home in Tennessee; there is no inspections of any kind in my county....yet. Knock on wood.
Hoss
ps. My current ride does in fact have catalytic converters and most likely would have no problem passing a smog test, should that ever be required here.

As John said smog gear varies by state. Many states exempt cars over 25 years old or if air cooled. If they do impose, its usually to what was on the year engine used (or in some the year registered which is often the year of the VW chassis). VW's didn't have Cats til like '75ish (CA might be different). Early (68 up) VW T1 did used carb fuel cut off valves, devices to slow shutting throttle, and oil blow-by tubes to air intake - but inspectors aren't aware that far back. So if you have a late model Subbie engine you'd most likely have to use smog applicable to the year engine used. Often dual carb'd VW engines won't pass even a visual inspection as they weren't common out the VW factory (for T1 anyhow).

Thanks Jim. I have been in touch with Buchanan. Yes, he seems knowledgeable. He gave me another guy's name in Marietta that has a Beck. I have made arrangements to meet him tomorrow evening.
Tom

Well then Tom, it looks like you have things under control... Yeah right... JUST wait till you sit in that Speedie and go for the ride of your life my NEW Friend... I hope you have the cash NOW, cause your gonna wanna buy it ASAP... Tom, it took me 18 months to find my ride, but when I finally pulled-the-trigger.. OMG it has been a blast ever since.. most folks that drive "common" cars can not say that.... Geeez Tom everytime I get in that car it feels great and the "S.E.G" never leaves the mug!

Oh yeah, SEG (Just ask around! LOL)

Good luck and good driving...

Speedster "D"

Tom,

You could always take a road trip to Bremen Indiana and visit with Carey at Special Edition and check out a Beck. Not too far from you. 4-6 hours at most I would guess.

Tom and I both heartily recommend them as a vendor. Excellent service ans support - not to mention a darn nice car.

Update: You can see a picture of Tom DeWalt's Beck Speedster in the latest issue of Kit Car magazine.