Simple question: Who makes the best Speedster replica?
 

I have a few bucks to throw around, but not enough for a real one. Is Beck still the go-to? Yes, I can wrench it. Thanks in advance for any guidance.

I'm thinking Intermeccanica.

If you have a decent pile of extra money, the Intermechanicca is absolutely top of the heap. It is the bespoke suit among the ordinary clothes.

In the more ordinary category, there are quite a few makers out there. The issues are customer service and providing a solid well-sorted product. I tend to push people toward Beck/Carey Hines. Standup guy who has represented himself/the company well for a long time in the replica business.

By the way...if you have a bit of travel time to spare, the "great gathering" at Carlisle is May 19-21. This is the Carlisle import/performance group. The speedstah group makes a big showing here. Something like 30 to 40 show up. All makers, 4-cylinder air cooled, 6 cylinder air-cooled (IM's), Subaru powered, etc. Very fun and friendly group!

angela

Beck or Intermeccanica for new. I bought a used project and saved BIG bucks.

At last weekend's EuroSunday, there two fake speedsters and a real 1956 speedsters. People were actually stopping to look at the fakes, and take pictures, while the original speedster - which wasn't as shiny - got no love whatsoever. SAD.

Are any of the fake Speedster's as wide as the real ones?

As I recall, the VW based ones were narrower by a noticeable amount.

Intermechanicca, VW based or steel tube frame?

Beck, VW based or steel tube frame?

IM are all tube based, have been for a very long time. The earliest cars are pans, but you are talking about builds in the 1980's at that point.

I'm 99% sure that at least all the recent Beck's are tube chassis, but that's something you'll need to check with Carey Hines/crew.

There are still pan-based makers out there and that's not ALL bad. Especially when it comes to registration. The pan based cars are pretty easy to register. The tube frame cars - work with a reputable builder who has these running in your state because there are pitfalls available. Good builders know how to get the car you buy properly registered in your state. E.g Carey Hines/Beck and Henry/IM. Both great guys.

angela

One of my favorite IM's... http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1493050590.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1493050624.jpg

What kind of price are we talking for a replica?

Buy a used one that is already in the US because from the factory, "All United States export Intermeccanica products are sold less engine and transmission".

Intermeccanica | Custom Coach Builders

Have driven a vw based replica. Fun for a short period of time.

But I want one comfortable for a six foot guy with clown feet. And that can cruise at highway speeds.

Well......there's more than one way to look at that.

How many people come up to you and say "You should give that car a new paint job - and it will look great!"

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...alm_statue.jpg

"People" in general are attracted to shiny objects....just like fish are attracted to spoons....ha ha ha.....

The "people" whose opinion I respect the most are those who seek out beauty that is more than "skin deep"!

Anyone can go out and buy a new paint job....but to have a nice patina....ahhh....now that's priceless! ;)

Hey Angela....love your input here....thank you!

Unless they are already registered they have to go thru special registration in CA. Check with your state on home built specialty cars. In CA they require a special limited permit from DMV and most are taken right after they are available January 1st.

Then they have to be inspected by the CHP. Your state may be different but good to know prior to purchase. The hassle may outweigh the benefits. The benefits are you can put anything that will fit and the only limit is how much you throw at it. Less so is resale....the resale price drops like a fat chick's dress on prom night.....hence my recommendation to buy someone else's project or running ride.

As to comfort? Fuggetabout it....ain't gonna happen. How much is involved? Think $40K and then add or deduct how stupid you can be.....I had a great time building and driving it. Lost my ass on it when I had to dump it during my divorce.

You know, Matt......nothing wrong with pursuing a 356 replica....but for the same money or less.....there are some fine 914's to be had.

Get an early ('73 or earlier) with no rust, solid pan and longs, and a 2.0 with factory fuel injection.

These cars are collectibles and while I'm no expert I can see the day coming when they will fetch a good dollar - especially when kept original with no rust issues. A blast to drive as well!

Heard; hadn't thought about that. I'll look into it. Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply.

I've definitely been around ALOT of them - LOL! I've seen and driven the best (IM) and shook my head at the worst...

Got to drive an IM-6 (3.2 liter Motronic with a 915) and full 911 suspension/brakes. Solid as a bank vault, flawless manners and excellent performance. Absolutely brilliant. Spoiled me for pretty much anything else - LOL! If I could afford it, I would have Henry build me a roadster.

Quite a few of the speedsters out now with Subaru 4's in them. Working heat, air conditioning, and 165-175 dead reliable horsepower.

The teeners? Get 'em while you can. The four-cylinder cars are still affordable and will go up in value. This is a pretty dang good idea.

angela

Where did you find it? I don't mind fixing other people's mis-steps, even electrical.

As long as we are on the subject anyone out there building replica 356 coupes?

There is one for sale!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/954711-1956-porsche-speedster-intermeccanica.html

Thought it would be more expensive, looks like a fun toy

Yes, there are a couple of coupe builders, including Carey Hines.

angela