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B9E73EF6-34CD-45A2-B164-8EDB8E26DB48With all of the recent changes in the industry, many folks have been curious about VIntage Speedsters of Scottsdale, AZ, the new owner Justin, and the cars that he and his crew have been producing. I first spoke with Justin last fall, met with him a couple of times in Scottsdale this past spring, and eventually placed an order with him early in the summer. Three and a half months later (just as promised), I had my car!!

Alpine white (a BMW two-stage paint), claret interior with grey German square weave carpet, 1915cc engine with dual Kadron 40’s, four wheel disc brakes with under dash E-brake, and voila!!

Car is a blast to drive, draws attention wherever it goes, and with year-round Colorado sunshine we aspire to twelve months a year of top down motoring!

The only changes/additions to the car since delivery have been the installation of P badges and emblems, installation of engine grill and horn grill gaskets, and, just because I like the more ‘basic’ or stripped down look, I removed the vinyl gear shift cover:

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My experience with Justin and crew at VS Scottsdale was seamless, relaxed, and ultimately, just really FUN!! 

Hopefully someone might find this info to be helpful, and I’m certainly happy to discuss any aspect of my experience in more detail with anyone that might have a question, comment, or observation! It’s a great day to go for a drive!

- Brent

 

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Congrats, Brent---that is a fine looking Speedster.  Good to see some changes in the build too;

1. The tell-tale curly-cue wire is gone---good.

2. Rubber moldings are added to the parking light unit.  I had to buy mine from Sierra Madre. Excellent new touch.

3. The small reflectors have been added under the tail lights.  Don't know if they were extra cost but better to get 'em on up front.

Where is the handbrake? For mine I ordered a new center hand brake cover. They are now made without the slits that accommodated those VW levers on the left side for adjusting the head.  Smart.

I know other build improvements have been added too, and the great report on your experience matched my own ordering parts from Vintage/AZ.  

Thanks for the report.  Hope you will give us a driving report later as you get used to it.  Prepare for many conversations at the gas pump from impressed citizens!

 

 

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

And yes, after waffling and being as indecisive as my daughters trying to decide what to wear to the high school dance, I finally made a color choice for Coco mats and they are on their way!

@WNGD totally agree! I’m trying to source a chrome (brushed stainless?) period correct e-brake handle from Stoddard or Sierra Madre - just trying to make sure that the new handle will fit the threads.

@JackCrosby - I appreciate your observations and totally agree! 

- the reflectors are ‘optioned’, and like sway bars, I thought it best to just go ahead and add them during the build. 

- totally agree regarding the rubber mountings (gaskets) , and as I think I mentioned earlier I added the rubber gaskets for the engine grill and horn grills after delivery (seem to make it look more ‘finished’, maybe?). Had to swap out the short threaded studs in the horn grills for longer ones to account for the added depth, but no biggie.

- the brake is under the dash to left of the steering wheel. I think that you can maybe make it out in one of the closeup pics. Unfortunately, the handle is black, and as WNGD pointed out, a proper chromed or stainless handle will be a nice touch.

@Jethro I ordered, then deleted, a radio for that very reason. Plus, the symphonic sound of the flat four is just something that I can’t get enough of!

Lots of smiles, lots of waves and ‘thumbs up’, a muscle car maniac neighbor made it a point to come over to tell me that every time he hears me drive by he “can’t help but smile” (how awesome is THAT???), and at the local coffee place a dude with a brand new Ferrari couldn’t stop talking about the little Speedster!! Priceless!

Thanks everyone!

If you can’t find a chrome handbrake you may be able to remove the black handbrake and try the chrome look rattle can paint. I’ve seen some stuff painted with that turned out very nice. 

The other option is IF just the handle can be removed and a new chrome handle is sourced you might be able to tap or re-thread the handle or the brake handle bar. 

 

Congrats on a great looking car, Brent, and thanks for the feedback on how a purchase from the 'new' VS worked out for you.

I think I would just go ahead and drive it with the shifter you've got for a while to see how it suits you.

After a few years, I put the Vintage Speed shifter in my VS:

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VintageSpeed02

The base is a little more 'finished' looking than the stock VW unit and is designed to be installed without a 'boot' over it.  I think the ivory one would look good in your car - probably a close match to your steering wheel. Note that the one they sell now has a small collar that you pull up to access the reverse gate. On mine, you pull up on the whole lever.

Also note - the company's name is Vintage Speedster  - no 's' on the end and not related to Vintage Speedsters in any way. They're located in Taiwan, but make high quality products and are great to deal with (if a little slow to answer e-mails). They make a number of different versions of this shifter (and will customize to order if you want), so make sure you understand all the options before ordering if you decide to get one.

 

 

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30West posted:

@IaM-Ray can you elaborate? What would you suggest? I had a similar thought but didn’t know what direction to go. The current shifter is actually very comfortable to drive with, though . . . . . 

Check out the CSP shifter.  100% German, doesn't look like a VW Bug gear shift and works great.  Not cheap what does CSP make that is?  Google it.

Dave Bellaire posted:

Brent - Beautiful Speedster.  It would be great to get any updates on issues, concerns or things you would have done differently.  I'm in the final build stages with VS (AZ) and would love to learn from the counsel of any in this community with experience with the new Vintage AZ guys.  Thanks much.  Dave

PM @Newbie Danny and chat with him. He's had a couple issues but I think he's been able to work them out.

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