ryguy993

So, I have gotten the urge to buy a 356 speedster replica, as a real one just inst in the budget right now. Do any of you 356 guys know if there are any reputable companies to look at? I have looked into Beck Speedsters and Vintage speedsters, but I am still a bit confused by all the contradicting information between the two companies. Vintage uses a VW chassis and Beck fabricated their own Chassis. Is either one better?

Also, I am not extremely mechanically inclined so I would like to purchase one complete "turn-key". Does anyone know of any used cars that are available at this time? I searched the classifieds on this site and eBay and craigslist but didn't really find any for sale.

Any information would be helpful!

Thanks,
Ryan

matt777

I saw a bunch of them in Scottsdale last week for under $20k.

points

e-bay has several.

RedGrant

WWW.JPS-MOTORSPORTS.COM I have one and several folks around here including my neighbor across the street (L.A. / SouthLand) have them. Very true to the original, mine has original spec paint and carpets

niche

I would go for a 550 spyder replica!

billyfeet

I own an Intermeccanica Conv. D Replica. They build some very interesting replicas . Go to www.intermeccanica.com and spend some time checking it out. They are expensive, but very well made. Also go to www.speedsterowners.com for all the info you could ever want about replicas.

RedGrant

JPS-Motorsports is building 550's - great looking suspension work

GVA-SFO

Someone told me to apply the "jack test" before buying. i.e.: Jack up one of the front wheels, and, when the wheel is up, try to open the doors.

matt777

You can't buy a decent open 356 (real one) for less than $80k let alone a Speedster but if you are going to spend $50k for a new high quality replica I would think about buying a 356 coupe first. Just my $0.02.

niche

+1

camchain

Very true to the original? This is from their website.

Package Includes:
Steel reinforced fiberglass Speedster body
Totally reconditioned VW swing-axle chassis
Rebuilt transmission, specially geared for JPS Motorsports
New built for JPS 1776cc engine with dual carburetors
New disc brake dual master cylinder
New front disc brakes, new rear drum brakes
New halogen H4 headlights
New three-point seat belts
New original style 5.5 x 15 wheels with 185 x 15 tires
New wood-rim steering wheel
New synthetic square-weave carpet
Custom heater & defroster

COMPLETE AS LISTED....................$25,500.00

ryguy993

I understand that there is almost to much information out there on this topic, but if anyone owns a speedster (replica) and can give any tips or "wish they had" advice please let me know. This will be a vehicle that is primarily driven on sundays for 3-4 months a year. I have checked out many sites for replica cars, and beck speedsters seemed to be the best so far??? they seem to be the most original of the replicas. I too have heard of the jack test, but with any open top car wouldn't you have a hard time opening a door if one wheel was off the ground?

Thanks in Advance!!
Ryan

billyfeet

I have owned an Intermecannica for 5 years and 20,000 miles. I know owners and cruise with them of all the makes. If you want my opinion on the cars send me an email with your number and I'll call you. The short story is that Vintage makes a nice car for the money. Intermeccanica makes a fine automobile but they are expensive. JPS makes a nice car, and so does Beck. You want at least a 1915 cc motor but a 2110 is really nice. As with just about anything in life you get what you pay for. Here in California where the weather is fine I use mine all the time. My car is a Conv. D Replica with roll up windows and a top that keeps rain out. A speedster replica has side curtains and a rag top, not much good in rain or cool temps. My IM is warm and dry even if it is 40 degrees and raining.

DFC4S

We had owned a Vintage Speedster for a couple years. I was also attracted to the beautiful lines of the 356 speedster and wanted a similar experience where I could enjoy the car for 3-4 months as a weekend car. I had the 1915 engine which was the largest they offered at that time (not sure now). While great on the streets, i felt I was pushing it on the freeway. The car was very fun for a while but ultimately didn't feel safe in it. While the mfrs will say whatever, it is a kit car and made of fiberglass. I think they all use the same molds as well. Anyway I think Intermeccania makes the best and that is easy recognized when you see one in person from a quality standpoint. We sold ours quite some time ago as the appeal wore off. Oh and everyone will ask if it's an original or KIT, which got annoying. As mentioned above, go to speedsterowners.com for lot of great info, it's like Rennlist for those cars. Have fun.

bullfighter

Absolutely agree. Get a Porsche. The coupes aren't stupidly expensive, yet, and you don't have to explain that yours is fake every time someone asks. Hugely cool cars, and as far as I know they're all the real deal -- no replicas.