I have an opportunity to buy a 54 Speedster in Excellent to Concours condition. Same owner the last 40-50 years. Always a California car. Color change from Ivory to Signal Red, but done perfectly. Car is amazing in every respect and includes the fiberglass hardtop along with soft top and side wings.

I am a 911 guy, so don't see these very often. I do know good cars, and this is def one of those. Black plate car!

I know 54 was the first year, maybe considered pre-A, I don't know if it's the standard 1500 or the Super.

Thanks for any input. This would be an investment, so it needs to come with value. Many Thanks

 

Pics? Guy down here wants 250 for a speedster thats just a driver.

 

Don't know all that much about Speedsters, however, just finishing up a concours restoration of a '63B Cab. I can tell you that it is going to be a beautiful car and if the Speedster is as you say, the PPI is completed by someone who is completely familiar with these cars along with the final inspection to your satisfaction, think there is still considerable up-side for collectability/value on these cars.

Paint change is a minus. How big of a minus may be determined on points obtained/dollars during concours judging and potential resale. Some say paint change is "OK" as long as it is period correct, others feel it is a deal breaker or a point to negotiate a lower price. Has the car been concours judged? If so, are the judging sheets available for review?

As you are surly aware, most always more cost effective to buy a car that is "done" to your requirements than to buy the car that needs some help to get to what you desire. I've seen some examples where the sale price of the "fixer-upper" was very steep and the cost of restoration was a lot steeper as the process continued along to a tipping point of current investment/value.

Future Value/Current Value/and the Crystal Ball........ Then again too, if values of past performance is a measure of future performance, your outcome might be very bright.

Happy hunting and hope the journey is a good one for you.

 

Sounds like you found a great example and offered at a reasonable price for it. Hope everything works out for you!

 

There's value if the car is nice.

 

Many Thanks for the reply. I understand that 356 guys are very particular about the details, and especially color changes. I'm not sure if Signal Red was a color offered in 54, but it was done beautifully and correctly. The motor is a thing of beauty and simplicity, and the car fires right up. I'm amazed at the details, like the handbrake assembly on the steering column. Here's a 60 year old car that can be driven, enjoyed and shown. Any other comment, or details I should look for would be greatly appreciated.

 

I believe Signal Red and Turkish Red were available in '54.

 

Signal Red (also known as Speedster Red) was an original color in 1954:http://www.willhoitautorestoration.com/paintsamples.php

Sounds like a nice car - but for that kind of money you need to find a pro or two to do a very thorough PPI. Car is in California? Where? I may be able to refer you to the right pros for a PPI.

 

Not bad.... Just spend about $40,000 to repaint it back to the original color and you are good to go. Yes, it's between $30- $50,000 to paint one as I am doing a 1958 as we speak! It's absolutely insane.

 

^^^

That's ridiculous for a paint job. Especially when you consider the factory itself didn't even paint them to concourse levels.

 

^^^I agree. Some one is getting yanked bad.

 

Well, I'm painting my 58 and I yet to find a bid less than $25,000. Did I mention all the metal work is done? Any great, cheap painters in CA would be appreciated

 

My neighbors shop in Glendale, family run since the 70's.
Karol's Garage ,owner John, painter Nick
818.246-5969

He's a locals only guy, has painted vintage Fiats, Porsches, MBZ.
He just started on a 914-6 , and will be restoring+painting our 914-8 club racer as well. Get an estimate ...can't hurt.
Marty

 

John = super nice guy. Dirty shop, too many cars, nobody working.... But they are cheap. Not my cup of tea though

 

Lots of Auto body shops in SoCal, and lots of choices. Some of
John + Nick's recent work.
Full restorations: 1964 Fiat 500 abarth, 1966 Olds 442/ one of 32 factory cars with 3 deuces carbs./ 1956 Bel Air convertible designed by Chip Foose/ tv show "Overhaulin"/ 1970 9146 w/ steel widebody+ 3.6L varioram engine. All of the above have won at SoCal car shows.
Marty