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I am heading to Denver with a check next week to get this car. Any thoughts or anything that stands out to the experts ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Replica-Kit-Makes-356-Speedster-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d2Q26poQ3dLVIQ26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d1074890882785080451QQ_trksidZp5197Q2em7QQitemZ270775192380
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I am heading to Denver with a check next week to get this car. Any thoughts or anything that stands out to the experts ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Replica-Kit-Makes-356-Speedster-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZalgoQ3dLVIQ26ituQ3dUCIQ26otnQ3d2Q26poQ3dLVIQ26psQ3d63Q26clkidQ3d1074890882785080451QQ_trksidZp5197Q2em7QQitemZ270775192380
Go to VS site - they start at $18,500. Options on one listed are leather ($2000), larger engine ($2000), and 4 wheel disk brakes ($1500). So makes it a $24k car. Any reseller is looking to mark it up $4-5k - plus you probably don't get VS new car service. I'd look for a sorted out used one from a private seller - or if you are fussy about color/option go brand new from VS.
Again, i appreciate the advice,but could you tell me specifically what your trained eyes are seeing that I need to look for. If it's a 24k car new and it has 22 miles what should I offer for it ? The one thing that I saw was that the "porsche" emblem that should be on the front of the car is on the dash. That doesn't seem like a mistake that a knowledgeable builder would make.
There was a fellow on this site a few years ago that bought a Vintage from a reseller and when he had problems, neither the seller nor the manufacturer wanted to help him. If you want a Vintage, buy from Vintage and get EXACTLY what you want. 'Nuff said? It isn't about having a trained eye, it's about making a wise purchase decision.
James - All these comments, basically say the same thing. Save yourself a LOT of money and heartache (wrt customer/service support once that car is driven off the lot) by contacting Vintage Speedsters directly.

Speculating on the price range that you're in, you could do as well dealing with Kirk at Vintage Speedsters. As opposed to after-sellers, Kirk has no need to EMBELLISH the car's details (as with the Denver dealer's description). His sales and return-customers speaks volumes about his product.

Either way, once you're got your new toy (Speedster) we say "Welcome To The Madness". We look forward to you joining our group of misfits and knuckleheads!
James.
The ad says "This vehicle was manufactured AND assembled by Vintage in California (Not a home assembly job)".

That statement makes me question the entire ad! To my knowledge, Vintage does not offer an under the dash emergency break, which this car appears to have. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, it is more authentic and there are a lot of owners who would like to have that option, but I just don't believe the car was fully assembled by Vintage. The interior is also not a Vintage interior. It also does not appear to have a heater control between the seats or heat exchangers on the exhaust.

This is probably a base model Vintage kit assembled by someone other than Vintage. It's possible it's not a Vintage kit at all, but I think it is. I think I can see the tell tale right front fender bulge, that I think all or at least most Vintage cars have, at about 1:31 in the video.

Like everyone else has said, just go directly to Vintage if you want to spend that kind of money. Or, buy Alan's beauty and get a high quality build that you can depend on and have peace of mind. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250845531391
Troy
$42,000 invested? what a load of $#!*.

We paid $24,000 and some change for our Vintage that Kirk and crew built.
1915cc, 3:88 trans, Wide 5's, Drumskins, Disc brakes, Headlight grills, Driving lights, Nardi stearing wheel and lots more.
At most the Banjo steeering wheel adds $400

Look at the details in this car... The wrinkles in the carpeting, No carpet in the trunk, wrinkles in the seat apolstery, the details in the engine compartment.

I think it's a vintage but I don't belive Kirk built it and $42,000 invested is a laugh!

Order one from Kirk, he will have it done in 3 weeks and you will be much happier with the car and have a lot left over for your own upgrades

Jay
Go for the Beck and check with Carey Hines (Special Edition) as to what he thinks about the assembler. The photos show an AC equipped dash and a Carrera engine cover or bonnet. May be one of the first water cooled. The Subaru engine will be more than enough power to tool around in comfort.
Note that the Becks do not use a VW type pan frame, but a real racing style ladder chassis. It is made of 3 inch diameter round tubing. No torsion or bending which makes for great handling


I really am looking for a black car or silver (possibly grey). I travel a lot for work so distance isn't really a problem. Chances are if there is a car semi close to a major market I can find an excuse to get there pretty quick. Any thoughts on these ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1957-Porsche-Speedster-Replica-Beck-/150626122551?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2312043b37

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSCHE-356-SPEEDSTER-VINTAGE-BEAUTIFUL-CAR-/250848389222?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3a67baa866

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1958-SPEEDSTER-REPLICA-1900-ENGINE-12-MONTHS-WARRANTY-/180688115072?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2a11d9d580
James, this sounds to me like an excuse to fly in, buy a car and drive it back. That's cool, I've done it twice. Where are you located? But, as Jim and others mention, do your homework, hopefully the color of the car, the Porsche emblems, fly-in location etc. are not your deciding factors. There's plenty to chose from. As you can see, the Beck (#1 on your list) from OK has a 1915cc engine. Find out some info on that engine as opposed to that "race-bred" 1835cc or whatever that was. #2 is a what manufacturer? #3 is once again being sold by some dealer who is just going to charge you more money. You have been to a used car lot, correct? Those guys do try to make money you know. Read up on Beck's (I'm partial because I have one), Intermecannicas (can never go wrong), Vintage (over 2500 sold), CMC (out of business), JPS (need a coupe?) and who am I missing guys, chip in if I missed your favorite builder...oh, ya, in no shape or form, you do not need to deal with Cozart Replicas (and some other guy in South Africa)...really!
I'm in Arkansas. i always do my homework on a car. that's why i am here. I studied for over a year before I got my e-type. However there are always questions that come up that you don't anticipate, usually when you are on the side of the road waiting for a tow. My most important qualities are 1) build and fabrication quality- i don't want something that is going to separate from the frame. 2) engine quality- I don't know much about the air cooled vw engines but there seem to be lots of knowledgeable people and plenty of parts, so I can work with that.

What i don't want is a situation like my e-type where I put so much money into it I could never really enjoy it. Secondly I really don't want to buy new if I can help it as it looks as if the re-sale values are precipitous to say the least.Being that these cars are grown up toys for most of us I anticipate that there are more than a few guys who have bought one, had their fun, and are ready to move on. So I think that it's kind of a buyers market. Again, i appreciate all the input.
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