Curious question here, what do you register the car as?
I ended up doing a lot of small things to it. I upgraded the suspension with a camber compensator, and a large front anti sway bar. I also adjusted the alignment to suit me. I thought of upgrades on the 1915 engine but it was really plenty. My oldest Son says it was his favorite car that I had brought home on a whim ~ as it was just so simple & carefree. You never had to worry about parking it, or picking up a rock chip. It was a great experience. However it was really a four wheel motorcycle. I finished up my short wheel base 1967 912 and sold the "speedy" to a Canada gent who gave it to his daughter. Again it was a great experience. Do be sure to get a production version. Vintage Speedsters (the company that made mine) make nice play toys. Hey Meat. This one was still the 1968 VW Bug tub/pan so it carried the original 1968 VW title. That did cause issue for the buyer when he presented that title to the Canadian authorities - who were perplexed why this VW did not look at all like a Bug.
By the way... My Son ended up buying a rat bug on bags after our time in the speedy. Obviously it is essentially the same car and he wanted some of that for himself. Good for him. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I was just looking at a gorgeous Beck 550 spyder with 2100CC engine. black over red with a snap on top. only 26K and perfect. Not sure if Ill pull the trigger. but here is the link to the car. DANIEL SCHMITT & CO CLASSIC CAR GALLERY PRESENTS: 1955 PORSCHE SPYDER REPLICA BY BECK for Sale in St. Louis, Missouri
Bad rep. There have been a number of threads about them in the MO section. I would not rule out a car from them, but would certainly do due diligence.
The beck sold, so its gone, but thank you for the heads up on the dealer. With a beck, I guess there is good chance to get it inspected by the builders. There is one near me at a ferrari dealer of all places, I may go take a look just to see if i fit in it. 6'1.5. Not my color choice, but would like to see it in person.
I've been watching 550 Beck prices for about a year....that was a GREAT price with that motor and accessories. Would that it is titled as a 63 Porsche be a problem to insure/register?? How can it be titled as a Porsche though?
Im not sure on the title, Ill check with ferrari dealer and see what the title on the 550 replica is they have. I was searching around and found a bespoke replica maker of 356 and 550 models that are spectacular. check out Seduction Motorsports
The Beck 550's look great in person. How great they look up close depends a lot on the use of correct vintage gauges to me. I drove a friend's Beck, and although that particular car wasn't in the best mechanical tune/shape at the time, it was still a blast to drive. Mini Rant: I hate when threads like this are moved to General Automative.
I know, why move it? Anyway, if you have a few min take a look at the seduction motorsports facebook page photos and the detail and craftsmanship is pretty awesome for a hand built small numbers car. The subaru and VW engines they make are beautiful. I think im going to find a time to fly out and take a look in AZ. Nd
I just ordered a 356 Speedster from Vintage Speedsters in California. The car looks incredible. I've shown their work to bonafide Porsche enthusiasts who didn't know it was a replica until I told them. As the OP stated I'm buying it not only because it is beautiful but because I don't have to worry about where I park it or drive it. It's just a fun car with classic looks. Can't wait to get it next month. I'll post some photos when it arrives. As far as titling goes its registered as a VW the year depends on the chassis Vin number.
Please share your build experience, Im planning my car for next year. Ive narrowed down the builders im looking at, but really would like your opinion and see your build. Love to see some photos as well. Good luck!
Paul, as soon as it arrives (in beginning of April) I'll post photos and give impressions. I'm really looking forward to getting it.
You actually have exactly the same safety concerns on the freeway that real Porsche 356 drivers have. You are the crumple zone, especially in plastic, so be careful out there. I put about 1,000 miles a year on my '56, but very little Interstate driving. It is very hard for other drivers to see those small/low lights. Parking is very easy - the car's narrow and most restaurant parking where I live is sized for SUVs. Not an issue at all. Not sure you'll fool a bonafide Porsche enthusiast, but general onlookers are easier. Without fail, the first question I get when I park or fill the tank is "Is it a real one?"
I actually bought a red vintage speedster a few years ago to put our company logo on, and park it out in front of our store locations. People love it and are always pulling up to take their picture in front of it, etc. It's a fairly well-built little car. There's nothing high-performance about it whatsoever - it's just a cruiser to bring attention to our stores.
I recently purchased a 57 356 speedster. Im waiting for the transporter to bring it from the east coast but getting really excited. Its a 220hp Type I 2330cc motor in a 1300 lb car. 0-60 in around 4secs. 2x4 aluminum chassis, Fuchs wheels, clean interior, what I was looking for. Cant wait for it to arrive! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login