Chesil Speedsters

[ParanoidAndroid]

Been admiring the Chesil Speedster for a while now. Just wondered if anyone on here has one? What they are like to drive, what the performance is like with the various engine size options available (not expecting a rocket ship but is it adequate day to day). Notice you can pick them up second hand for around £20k but assume they will need a bit of money spent to bring them up to scratch, are new build costs similar?

Basically after some ownership views really.

Edited to add: I'm 6'3, will I fit given the low windscreen?

Cheers
Graham

Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Wednesday 2nd September 00:15

[ParanoidAndroid]

Thanks for the replies, DougieMC, your speedster looks stunning, and what an epic trip you did! Really encouraging to see it being used in earnest. I probably wont be doing anything until spring next year as have kitchen extension on the go at the moment but certainly interested in the Speedster as my next toy (although do hanker after a Cobra as well). Wanted something we could take down to Italy so its great to see they are capable of that sort of mileage. How did you find the comfort levels? See you have the original seats, which I also prefer but a lot seem to go for the more modern and assume more comfortable option. What's the performance like with the 2 litre engine?

As much as I'd like to I don't have the time myself to build from scratch and only have a single garage so space a bit limited. I'd therefore have to get Chesil to build (assume £30k'ish?) or look to buy 2nd hand (approx £20k). Seem to be a few on the market but not many with the bigger 2 litre engine. How long did Chesil take to build yours Dougie?

Cheers
Graham

[ParanoidAndroid]

DougieMc said:

Ref buying new the only problem is the owner of the company he is just so so so hard work and doesnt realise how lucky he is to have the product.

Yes, I think it was him I tried to chat to at the Stoneleigh show this year, he wasn't very chatty or interested in answering my questions given they were exhibiting there. Very brief answers then wandered off! Not the best.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Read on http://www.speedstersandspyders.org.uk/tucker-tony... that the owner had a lowered drivers side floorpan so that may be an option. Not sure how they do that given its a beetle chassis.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Thanks for the offer to view your Speedster Dougie, I'm in North Hampshire so Bedfordshire is a bit of a trek away which is a shame. Certainly will PM you if I'm ever heading up that way.

Agree with the comments around driving, from reading various forums you can get them to perform and handle nicely however it will always feel a bit archaic but to me that's part of the appeal for a weekend toy. However this is coming from someone who has never driven one or an original beetle, may hate the experience!

[ParanoidAndroid]

Hi AOCMAX,

Great to see you got one, looks stunning too. Assume you bought one of their used cars? What's the spec?

[ParanoidAndroid]

Rich135 said:

Edited to add: just checked their site and pleased to see a few just over my budget... exciting!

Edited by Rich135 on Tuesday 15th September 16:51

I'm not sure how current that stocklist is. I've been checking for last few months and nothing has changed so not so sure they keep it up to date unfortunately. May be worth giving them a call.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Nice to see the cars Chesil are selling themselves, wish they'd update their website. Surprised they are so low mileage, wonder if people buy then change their minds or if these are ex-demo cars?