Porsche Speedster Replicas - Advice please!

[Matt2101]

Hi all,

Just looking for advice really. Im really into the classic 50's and 60's Porsche Speedster shapes and would like to find one to build as a kit. I cant afford Chesil prices but they are the only manufacturers I know of. Im keen to keep it as authentic as possible, so want to use the Beetle as a donor (Im aware of some kits using a Skoda I think?)Can anybody recommend a place to start looking? Im not adverse to part built projects either. Im particularly taken with the 718 shape, or the RS60. Any advice gratefully received!

Cheers,
Matt

[GTRene]

Matt2101 said:

Hi all,

Just looking for advice really. Im really into the classic 50's and 60's Porsche Speedster shapes and would like to find one to build as a kit. I cant afford Chesil prices but they are the only manufacturers I know of. Im keen to keep it as authentic as possible, so want to use the Beetle as a donor (Im aware of some kits using a Skoda I think?)Can anybody recommend a place to start looking? Im not adverse to part built projects either. Im particularly taken with the 718 shape, or the RS60. Any advice gratefully received!

Cheers,
Matt

Hi, I know in the Netherlands where I live there is such speedster seller llok at this...

www.speedsterweb.nl/

All in its from € 29.998,- and a complete do it yourself kit is € 13.900,-(9350gbp)
cheers
GTRene

[meeja]

Hi Matt,

Whilst Chesil is most people's preferred choice for a Speedster replica, they are are the upper end of the market as far as costs go as well as quality.

Pilgrim now do a 2+2 speedster (they started with the pig ugly 4-seater version that used a full length Beetle floorpan)

Pilgrim's car is not too bad, and appears to be improving every time I see their demonstrator.

www.pilgrimcars.com/newmag/speedymain.html

There are others of course, and I'm sure that other PH'ers will praise other marques, but my personal choice would be a Chesil, then perhaps a Pilgrim if the budget was tighter.

I would totally avoid the 356 sports speedster, because in my opinion it is just "wrong"!!

[matt2101]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I have looked at the Pilgrim site and they appear pretty good. I know a couple of people with the Sumo who have been quite pleased so hopefully the same will apply to the Speedster.

Whats the deal with the chassis shortening? Is it easy to achieve? We have welded up chassis in our workshop before, including several race car chassis repairs so I would be confident as long as it isnt too complicated. Anybody know whats involved?

[ricola]

I've had an early Chesil and it is a good quality kit that bolts together. But, you do pay for the privelege and you lose out on authenticity.
Personally I'd go for a speedsterclinic car next, the chassis is a lot more rigid and you end up wiht a more authentic looking car. A friend of mine is building one: http://apspeed.spaces.live.com/photos

PM me if you want his phone number, he is based in Birmingham..
Rich

[meeja]

matt2101 said:

Whats the deal with the chassis shortening? Is it easy to achieve? We have welded up chassis in our workshop before, including several race car chassis repairs so I would be confident as long as it isnt too complicated. Anybody know whats involved?

The details of the chassis shortening will be available from the kit manufacturer, and if you have experience in this field I wouldn't think it would be too difficult a job.

Most manufacturers offer a chassis shortening service, and those who find the whole "Chop the chassis in half, take a bit out, then weld it back together" a bit daunting can take this much easier (but more expensive!) option.

[ricola]

matt2101 said:

Whats the deal with the chassis shortening? Is it easy to achieve? We have welded up chassis in our workshop before, including several race car chassis repairs so I would be confident as long as it isnt too complicated. Anybody know whats involved?

It basically involves cutting the centre tunnel at an angle, removing a section, then pushing the two ends back together with some overlap so you aren't just relying on a butt joint. Floorpans are just shortened with an angular cut too.
No rocket science in it from your experience, just have to keep it all square. Do a search on the web, there are a few good guides, might have more luck searching for VW chassis shortening for buggies as the technique is identical, just different amounts removed..

Rich

[cinqster]

Matt,

You mention the Speedster and then list the Spyders! Which do you want? The 356 Speedster is a more practical proposition as you get some room and roof, which is missing on the 718. The RS60 has a tall screen and hence roof fitment but doesn't look too clever with it on (IMHO)

I'd keep an eye on eBay/Autotrader and look for an older built or unfinished kit as you can find some bargains if you're prepaired to wait. At the moment you don't have the choice with the RSK because to my knowledge they are not being produced in the UK. Chesil are just launching their interpretation of the RS60 if that's your bag.

Edited by cinqster on Friday 8th September 19:01

[cymtriks]

meeja said:

I would totally avoid the 356 sports speedster, because in my opinion it is just "wrong"!!

Their 550 replica is not very accurate but if it's the donor that worries you then stop. The Skoda is surely a better car than a Beetle and there are plenty of engine swaps available.

Actually I'm surprised that any Skodas are left, I haven't seen one for years.

Beetles are surely all classics by now and not that common themselves. I can't understand why they are still used for donors. Totally antiquated and classics can't equal a good donor?

[cymtriks]

The 718 / RSK / RS60 replica was made by GPproducts. This project was bought by gpdude on this forum. He intends to put it back in production but I'm not certain how far he's got with this.

Thunder Ranch make one in the States. Very nice looking too.

356, as linked in this thread, look as if they are related to Banham which IIRC went bust a while back. They make a Skoda Estelle or Rapid based 550 replica which isn't totally authentic, it's more a "look alike" than a "replica". Don't be put off by a Skoda donor, they handle way better than any Beetle and Alfa boxer and Fiat TC engines have been swapped in.

Personally I'd love a 718 (best looking by far) or RS60 (less good but more practical), I'd like a 550 but would pay to avoid seeing the ugliest sportscar ever (the 356) on my drive.

[meeja]

cymtriks said:

356, as linked in this thread, look as if they are related to Banham which IIRC went bust a while back.

356 Sports bought the jigs/moulds etc from Paul Banham... so yes.. it is the same car!

cymtriks said:

I'd like a 550 but would pay to avoid seeing the ugliest sportscar ever (the 356) on my drive.

Funny how cars attract people's eye in different ways..... My feelings are exactly the opposite of yours!

Edited by meeja on Saturday 9th September 13:46

[xm5er]

If I was you I'd save up for a bit and buy the Chesil. I was drooling over one outside our local shops on Sunday. Had a quick word with its owner who turned out to be the local "test driver" for the company.

'Twas jaw droppingly gorgeous and I really want one now.