356 Speedster Replica

I have owned 2. Fun cars. A JPS and an IM. The IM is LIGHT YEARS nicer vs anything else out there. There is no comparison. IMs have following that keep their values up...the others are just Speedster reps.

 

for example:

Porsche 356 1600 Super | eBay

 

Why your son is against this? Is it the 'replica' vs real that he is having issue with?

 

This site will answer all your questions. Home | SpeedsterOwners.com - 356 Speedsters, 550 Spyders, Replicas and more


From what I have learned, 09Scuderia is correct, Intermeccanica is a very reputable builder. I don't have any experience with them but thats the word on the street.

Good luck with your search/build.

 

Some of the replicas are set up really nice visually depending on your taste. If the aesthetics are tuned to your taste, I would look at the chassis and drivetrain as an important factor. VW changed their chassis to IRS in '68. That's the one you want if it's VW based. Lots of options on VW and Porsche motors including Subaru based. This is also a personal choice with pros and cons. Intermeccanica is really the premium choice as they offer a bonded in chassis that accepts the 911 (up to '89) suspension. They also offer 911 air cooled power and lots of hidden features such as A/C http://intermeccanica.com/athird.net/testimonials. The level of Speedster replica has a lot to do with how you set it up and being knowledgable about all the details. Most enthusiasts accept Speedster replicas as a fun, carefree and more affordable alternative to a real one. They can be better performing than a real one with the right motor, gearbox, brakes, steering and chassis. Just don't expect it to be an investment like an original but should keep it's value.

Freeman

 

Agree 100% with Freeman.

BTW, Freeman...still have you Vanagon?

 

Darryl, not sure if you would consider a 550, but here is a neat car. Its from Beck with many original details. Freeman, do you have thoughts on Beck?

2001 Beck 550 Spyder - Pelican Parts Technical BBS

 

I own 3 real ones and have considered a replica. I'm sure it drives better

 

IM is almost finished with my girlfriends dad's car. It looks to me like their doing an amazing job. Plus, they are in frequent contact with him with updates and progress pictures. Seems like a top notch outfit.

 

I like that 550. Plus its close to look at. Are they worth 25 plus.

 

https://www.yahoo.com/news/356-speedster-barn-just-sold-182002451.htm

Looks like a nice model to make a replica of....this one just sold, barn find, for about $605,000 and hasn't even entered the restore stage yet.

 

Also considering a 356 replica next summer. Need to get behind the wheel of one. Anybody have any driving notes they'd like to share?

 

I drove both a speedster and a coupe before I had mine built. They both drove fine but the coupe was more fun due to the higher HP engine and had wider tires. For a "cruiser" I think they are fun cars... but keep in mind no power steering and no A/C unless you install the under dash unit.

I had a coupe built. It isn't as enjoyable to drive due to the ride height (although its on air) and the front tires are very low profile so I have to be careful of pot holes, etc.
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These are selling points to me! Does it have a good visceral feeling with the acceleration?

 

I would describe it as "involved" partly due to the steering feel and manual transmission. Of course this depends on the engine size you choose.

 

I've owned a Vintage Speedster 356 Speedster for about a year now. I've owned various cars over the years from Ferraris, R8s, Astons but this Speedster gets more attention than any of them. For the money you can't beat them. They are beautifully built and authentic looking to a tee. I've had Porsche owners look over the car and stand in disbelief when I tell them it's a reproduction. They drive as you would expect for a car with 85HP (you'll never get a speeding ticket with one). But they are only about 1600 lbs so they do keep up with traffic. Just fun to own and admire.
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Thanks for the notes! That grey suits the car very well. Pretty car