cabrio993

You get a PGO Speedster II...

http://www.lifestyleautomotive.co.uk/pgohome.html

"A french company, PGO, has brought out two models of a cabriolet that looks strikingly Porsche-like. To these eyes (old and worn out as they may be) they look like a speedster mated with a 993 wide body, replete with 356 twin-grille and wide flanks.

Sold through companies such as Lifestyle Automotive (www.lifestyleautomotive.co.uk) which also sells the TD2000 MG replica and Lobini's Elise-like roadster, PGO is also establishing an international network of dealers.

PGO (http://www.pgoauto.co.uk/) has two models. The Speedster II looks extremely like its' namesake (actually an A variant) but contains some modern elements. The Cevennes (above) has a slightly different profile, especially from the front. More squashed.

Quality-wise these are not Beck Speedsters, they are done to the nines! While composite-based, they have a multi-tubular frame, a mid-placed engine (no pics), luxury appointments including leather, available automatic shifter, a/c, etc. Since it isn't, at this time, being imported into the U.S. I'm not sure of the price but probably starting under $60K. But, remember, it's not a Porsche!

There is a very nice website at PGO, with video, etc. Take a look!

goofballdeluxe

I gotta say, I kinda like it!

cabrio993

I know...I was thinking the same thing. Change the wheels, replace the weak 2.0 liter peugeot 4 cylinder engine with a 3.6 and it may actually be a fun little commuter...

Here is the manufacturer's web site in France. Check out the gallery.
http://www.pgo.fr/models/speedster/index.html

doberdog

Looks like a modified Audi TT.

brucec59

F U G L Y !

timothymoffat

Reminds me of "Curve Lover"'s old avatar.

curve lover

Seeing the title, "What do you get when you cross a 993 with a 356?" I had a hunch what this might be about...
Aesthetically, I love most of their design.
Coincidence that I'm obsessed by the curves of the 993 Speedster? From the standpoint of artful sheetmetal, this may be the closest currently produced. Cabrio993's above web comparison to 993s is a compliment for any vehicle.
Exactly a year ago today, I was in France to visit the PGO factory, soon followed by Germany for 993 Speedster pre-purchase inspections. (My related RL post, 'request to find 993 Speedster.') Good eye.
~2003, I saw a forum thread asking enthusiasts to post shots of their favorite cars. One pic made an impression; I assumed it was a tricked-out 356. I figured with the tons of coin those in the custom carshow biz spend on much uglier vehicles (Ford Focus or worse with $20k worth of subwoofers & video screens, etc.), why didn't someone have more sense to pour love on Porsches' classic curves? With the industry's retro trend, the concept had business potential. Likewise, friends of mine with 'outlaw' 356s often try to modernize their classics, a similar concept.

I looked for the image later, but the photo's hyperlink had gone dead (post #4). When I found web archive services in 2004, I finally re-discovered the image that eventually gave me another excuse to visit Europe:

curve lover

They may not be everything to everyone, but overall I see it as impressive coachwork for a small French company.

curve lover

I mostly love the curves, but I also see them as a fairly forward-thinking company.
Consider the following -- runs on natural gas & a German-developed engine:
CNET video link.

curve lover

This non-Porsche car won't please everyone, but consider recent stylistic moves of Porsche with the 996, Cayenne, & Panamera.

As I understand it, at one point this mostly-unknown company eventually won when sued by the relative giant Porsche.

Easy to see the motivation for litigation, but - if they must - I'd rather Porsche try a different way of forcing them out of the market -- by introducing a modern model themselves that's more loyal to the 356's lines.

curve lover

This is a low-res version of a collage I made as a laptop screensaver.
The burnt-copper in the top right isn't produced; it was a prototype design.
Definitely aggressive to the average lover of Porsche's classic 'upside-down bathtub.'

Yes, that's the 356 in the center position of honor.

cabrio993

+993

I'd love to see Porsche come out with a 356 "remake". Go back to its roots.

Everyone else is going "retro"...how long will it take Porsche to realize that?

murfysflaw

I do like it. Be nice if it had more oomph in the rear, but the lines are great.

IamSMC

+99356

However, not a bad overall execution in design.

I like the color combo (white/green) in post #9.

Monique

I saw many in the flesh; good body work but the design does not turn my crank.

I'll be doing a TD next saturday where one of them is signed up. Me thinks I'll blow his doors off... even with my lousy driving!