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Offered for sale is a 2007 Beck Speedster #245, professionally designed, engineered, and built by Chuck Beck’s company Special Edition Inc. and sold originally through Open Road Motors Inc. in Campbell, CA. The Speedster is powered by a CB Performance 1915cc air-cooled flat 4 built by Patrick Downs in Farmersville, CA and installed by Don’s Autowerks, also located in California. A Rancho Performance 4-speed 3.88 gear Transaxle handles the rated 125hp and fuel is delivered via twin Weber 44 IDF carburetors. When ordered with the 1915cc engine upgrade, it is built with a TRI-MIL twin chrome-tipped exhaust. Special Edition Inc. supplied front twin-piston disc brakes and have good wear remaining as shown in recent brake inspection service receipt. The color is Harvest Moon Beige accompanying a Whiskey Tan full leather interior. Beck builds replicas WITHOUT using donor motors or old VW pans. Special Edition is the only replica manufacturer using their patented custom 3" round DOM tubular chassis, with .125" wall.  The best platform in the industry offered for a Speedster replica.

Lamination of fiberglass is all hand lay, not ‘chopper-gun’.  The lamination schedule is 1.5oz matt, 3oz. matt, and a 7oz. cloth backer all laid at once over grey primer gel coat with a black backing.  Excess resin is ‘squeegee’d’ off the part for a low resin content (in this process the resin shrinks, fiberglass does not).  This provides the lightest, strongest body the company can produce.

Records show the vehicle has been owned and stored in CA 100%, and was purchased from original family ownership in 2018. The current owner has added approximately 1000 miles and the current odometer reads 10675 Kilometers (6633 miles). The title reads “1957 Chamonix”. It is currently registered through August 2019. Based on this title designation, it is exempt from CA smog requirements and can be insured with classic car insurance.

 

As for mechanical condition, the maintenance of this vehicle is documented with over $1500 invested in the last year and 500 miles, all service receipts included from new. All original order forms and service documents are included with the sale, showing the original owner’s choice of drivetrain and options.  Receipts show professional maintenance of regular oil changes, brake and clutch adjustment, tires, and a new starter motor. In the hands of the current owner, the Speedster was first brought to a local air-cooled Type-1 specialist, Broad Street Auto/Westy Works in San Luis Obispo, CA to be fully sorted.  At 9977 KM, a valve adjustment, fluid change, new oil sump gasket, replacement grease fitting, belt adjustment, and full safety inspection were performed. Also new headlight buckets, lenses, and chrome trim surrounds were purchased at the time. A second visit in April 2019 for a lubrication of the chassis and fix of the reverse light. The Weber air filters were cleaned with K+N recharger and oiled properly. Once all mechanicals were fully sorted, other recent maintenance and upgrades (Dec 2018 – March 2019) include a new battery, four new spark plugs, front end alignment, brake pad measurement (see picture), and a DOT 4 brake fluid flush as per the Beck owners manual. New heat exchange hoses were installed to replace hoses in the engine bay to improve appearance. The current owner opted to purchase new Coker Classic Radial 2 ¼ inch Whitewall tires size 165 R15 in March 2019, showing DOT codes 4617. Original blackwall Kumho tires have only 6000 miles of wear, are saved and are included with the sale.  A chrome full size spare wheel and tire is included and fits nicely in the front boot compartment.

 

Options have been ordered over the base model in both the interior and exterior. A deluxe canvas Tonneau Cover with authentic Tenax fasteners is a $500 option. 356A Original Style Euro short bumper-ettes, as well as chrome driver and passenger mirrors. VW heater boxes are fitted to the exhaust manifold, and an auxiliary fan is added by the factory. For the interior, a Nardi Classico Wooden Shift Knob was chosen, Chrome starter button, and Chrome interior door pulls. Shown in the pictures is the option convertible top boot cover in excellent condition, as well as both side curtain windows. A pair of Blaupunkt speakers are mounded in the doors and are wired to a contemporary JVC stereo head unit mounted out of sight up front in the boot. For convenience an auxiliary cable is fitted and run into the cabin for use of an MP3 player while in motion. The gas tank is fitted with a locking gas cap with key included. The CA ‘Black Plate’ is a nice touch and the "1957PCH" tag finishes the presentation very well.

 

The current is a professional auto detailer by appointment only, so many hours have been spent in the fit and finish of this Speedster. The owner rates the overall exterior and interior as a solid driver #2 condition, with small rock chips and blemishes as expected, and shown in pictures as best as possible. The bottom side of the left front bumper has an area of curb rash. The convertible top has remained down for the life of the vehicle, and has never been exposed to the sun. The plastic rear window is clear with no yellowing or haze, and appears as new.

 

McKee’s 37 polish and sealant were recently applied with a dual action polisher, and the vehicle is waxed and stored indoors. The chrome wheels and hubcaps sport the Chamonix crest and gleam brightly. No pitting or major blemishes on the wheels, and all chrome has been hand polished. Windshield frame and bumper-ettes front and rear are aluminum, and show more age as a softer metal, however the metal is in excellent shape despite the non-chromed finish. Front glass is very good, with no visible rock chips or cracks. Rubber trim is located around the windshield, doors, headlights, side trim, and bumpers. The majority of trim is rich and black, and shows no sign of cracking or long term sun exposure. Rubber gaskets around the mirrors and bumper-ettes show the most age. Canvas tonneau is a 7 of 10. Small tears have been patched on their underside with clear Tear-Aid and in comparison with other tan fabrics on the vehicle, show the most fading from its original color. The engine room is very clean and metal finishes have been polished and all surfaces detailed by the owner. Keys included are original, one for the ignition, one for the door locks, and one for the locking gas cap. A second set of keys with Porsche key chain is included with the sale.

 

On the interior, also a driver #2 condition due to very good condition of the leather throughout. Door door side panels are soft and have no blemishes, scuffs, or tears. Shift boot, parking brake cover, and all other leather bits show in the original color and have no blemishes. Drivers seat has a spot from glue or a cleaning solvent that has left a small stain as shown in the picture. Also, some wear near the center back venting, Carpeting shows wear near the drivers foot well is as expected, with the piping surrounding drivers and passenger floor mats a bit frayed. One area of the carpeting, about 2 inches to the left of the drivers seat has a spot of discoloration that didn’t improve with interior detailing. Other carpeting beyond the floor mat is clean and fresh looking, and all original. Under the bonnet is fully carpeted and clean as well, and matches the interior.

 

Mechanically, the trip meter is not functioning. This is an issue as explained in the owner’s manual and may have occurred due to resetting the trip meter while vehicle is in motion. The radio functions, but has a loose connection or needs a replacement AUX jack perhaps. Headlights high and low beam are working, as are the brake lights, reverse light, and turn signals. RPM, Speed, fuel, and oil temp gauges are all functioning as normal, as well as the blue high beam indicator, turn signal indicator arrows, and red alternator and oil pressure warning lights. Wipers work as expected. View the included videos for more information. The parking brake is firm and has a tight feel. The Speedster is set at its originally manufactured ride height. Other included extras include a fire extinguisher mounted aft of the driver’s seat,  a set of 4 Porsche 356 Speedster hubcaps and grill crests, the new owner can use if they wish. The original owners manual is included by Special Edition Inc. on DVD.

 

Driving the Speedster with the upgraded 1915cc motor is very satisfying. This motor choice is an excellent balance between long term reliability, fuel efficiency, and sufficient power. The engine is subdued in traffic and during light acceleration, but offers a rich and deep growl upwards of 3000 RPM. It’s lightweight ~1600 lb. construction allows you to feel the torque and be pulled into your seat. The Speedster likes to cruise in 4th gear at 65 mph, and the shifting is notchy and mechanical as expected. Reverse gear lockout is easy to manage, and the clutch petal is firm and predictable. Steering is tight and responsive, with no power steering aids. It’s a true driving experience in an age of automation and electronic mechanisms. The owner prefers to keep the vehicle stored with a battery tender, indoors. Doors open and close with a great sound and fit, feeling very secure. Panel fit is excellent for both doors, and with the boot and bonnet panels also showing a great panel fit. All latches and hinges are tight and have been looked over.

 

Transfer of the specialty heritage black plate is done with a simple DMV transfer form and a $50 annual fee. It’s well worth the investment to maintain the special plate designation and has been a conversation piece at local car shows itself.

 

This vehicle is an opportunity to connect with legendary engineers and designers, Charles “Chuck” Beck and Ferdinand Porsche and his son Ferry. Visionaries and geniuses in their own right, and their work is a prime example of their legacy. This is rolling automotive history, be it a modern version. Another benefit the owner discovered is the ability to communicate with Special Edition Inc. at any time to order parts and seek advice via phone or through their website. The company representatives are friendly and respond quickly to customer inquires. Delivery can be arranged and negotiated for an additional and reasonable fee, within 150 miles of the seller’s location in California. Thank you and happy bidding.

 

TRADE OPTION: Willing to trade for a Beck 550 Spyder of equivalent specifications, overall condition, and provenance.

 YouTube video walk-around and running, and startup:

https://youtu.be/dUVLu6vrOGQ

 

Over 200 photos available if interested, and more if desired. Just inquire. Thanks!

Offered at $34500. Reasonable offers considered.

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@SimplifyTALightness

Beautiful car, for sure. I'm sure will will sell without problem. 

On another note, I hope you will be able to join our SOC group in SLO this June for the annual West Coast Cruise (AKA; Run-What-You-Brung-Cruise). Search under 'Events' forum for West Coast SLO Cruise.

In case you haven't seen the video I've posted quite a few times on here, I've attached that video. Hope you can join us, even without a Speedster. Just bring your other favorite car. Peace-Out! 

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