GKGEIGER

I'm an old guy that is fortunate to own an '18 911 GTS, but through the years I have been a classic car guy. They have been mostly old Ford Hot Rods. I'd love to have 356 Speedster, but can't swing an original and keep my GTS. I have seen some awesome pictures of replicas, but I've heard that some of them are really bad. If we can talk about this I would love some advice, what to consider and what to stay away from. If I've brought up a bad subject maybe someone could at least point me in the right place to get the info I need. Thanks in advance for your help. Oh, I don't want to build a car, too late in my life to do that again.

points

Beck replicas are regarded as one of the best manufacturers of 356.

Walt L

Can't go wrong with Beck, though I do like Intermeccanica as well...

Walt L

Or for a modern take on the Speedster, check out Stark Speedsters out of Phoenix I believe...

TRPIV

For me? I think the Stark completely misses the point of a replica 356. I own a replica Speedster and a 986S. I drive the replica when I want to drive a classic car. I drive the Boxster when I want the modern conveniences.

I just don't see it. It's not like it's a resto-mod. I just don't get it.

I love my 356 replica. I drive it whenever I can.

GKGEIGER

I totally agree, what I want is that classic feel that I miss.

TRPIV

As far as replicas go Back and Intermeccanica (IM) are the top of the mark. Intermeccanica is one of the oldest producers of the 356 Speedster. They originally started with pan based cars (shortened VW bug chassis) and later retooled to build cars based on a tube chassis. Beck is also a tube based chassis. CMC and Fiberfab came along to fill the gap for pan based 'kit cars'. Both off shoot companies are long gone. Vintage Speedster was around for years in Los Angeles (Hawaiian Gardens), CA. They sold to Vintage Motorcade (or some variation of Vintage and Motor something) who then moved the outfit to Arizona. Another Speedster builder (also named Vintage MotorSomething) moved into the Hawaiian Gardens location. It has been hard to keep up.

There are a LOT of Speedsters sold after buyers get into them and quickly realize they don't care for the quirks of a classic car (no AC, no modern heater, no power steering/brakes, what do you mean valve adjustments and oil change at 3k miles?!, etc.)

I purchased a CMC 6 years ago with a clapped out 1600cc vw motor on pitted chrome wheels and dodgey 4 speed and drum brakes. I spent a few years transforming it into a reliable car with all the quirky classic car bits all while upgrading to a 2056 motor, 5 speed, StopTech discs, etc. I also took the time to upgrade all exterior and interior bits to original 356 parts (Gauges, handles, switches, Technomagnezio wheels, chrome, etc.)

I could have spent the same money on a used IM but I didn't mind wrenching at the time.

Feel free to reach out if you want more info.

Tim7139

The Becks are very well done, I would even consider one of their 550’s as well, almost got a couple of those when I had my roadster.
then you can post it on RA.

GKGEIGER

Thanks for all the replies, I'm watching the classifieds for the right car. I'm not going to buy the first one I see.

TRPIV

Good plan. Know what you want before hand. You will want a bigger motor than a 1600. 1915 or bigger is what I'd suggest. 2.0L or better is the sweet spot. Don't bother with drums.

Good luck with your search. Tons of fun.

Highlander356

I also think Intermechanica builds great replicas.
i have a Californian edition built in the late 70’s.

unfortunately I can’t drive it because my mechanic has destroyed the metal in the engine compartment when he removed the engine.

Drifting

how expensive are these Beck replicas?

ckit73

You may also want to check JPS Motorsports. They sell Speedster and 356 coupe replicas. A Speedster was featured on Jay Leno’s Garage. It had a Subaru engine in it.

Here’s a link to their website: https://www.jps-motorsports.com/

Good luck in your search!

DFC4S

Intermeccanica are the best replicas.

BKirk

I’ve done a lot of research on this topic over the years and I agree Intermechanica is the standard - and high bar.

However, Greg Leach at Vintage Motorcars in SCal makes a great product and is worth looking at. Take a look at the 356 Replica Owners Forum and you’ll learn all you need to know about all the builders and these cars:
www.speedsterowners.com