CSW Speedster

Anybody heard anything about CSW speedsters out of Ontario? See w w w .cswspeedster dot com.

Thanks

edit- I guess they are a new builder. It says that they finished their first car in March 2006.

I looked at their site yesterday and noted they had 'ripped' pics of real 356s on the site and no picture of their supposed finished Speedster. Buyer Beware. Their info is a little sketchy too, no pics of frames, no pics of a car being built.... but they have their site linked all over the net with info about being a premier builder.... hmmmm.

I'll agree with Jim. They talk a good game, but the pictures aren't of their product - kinda dishonest in my book. It's interesting that there are no pictures of their first car (supposedly completed this month) under construction. If it's so advanced, why not chronicle the prototype build?

On the other hand, they obviously spent a lot of money on the website, and maybe they just haven't updated in with new pictures. I'd be wary, but I wouldn't write them off totally just yet.

At the risk of being confrontational, why not contact this "builder" directly and pose the questions raised here. I think it would be helpful to all of us and prospective customers in particular to know if this is a legitimate business enterprise or just more wind and smoke from another wanna be.

Not only are the pictures not of their own products, they aren't even consistent to a single model (some speedsters, some convertible D's, etc.). One wonders if they even know what they're replicating.

Well, I suppose we can all wait until mid-April when the pictures are posted. It will be interesting to see the final configuration. I am sure that SAW and IM are also quite interested in what turns up.

I sent them an email with a couple of questions and letting them know about this site.

It's doesn't take much $ to put up a simple website like that. They may be legit but it seems odd that someone that is able to put up a website can't have a few pics posted of their prototype or a replica they just finished. It's just not that hard. An E-mail is not a way to check on their legitamcy.....

It's no big deal to me. I just think the site leaves some big questions for potential buyers. Invite them to PA for the East meet and let some people give some feedback on a finished car.

While I think that Jim is right that caution is dictated, let's not write someone off, just because they are new. It seems to me that atlhough the site has pictures of other manufacturers's cars, it is also quite upfront about doing so -- as well as about the fact that they've only just built their prototype. I agree with the suggestion that an invitation to one of the meetings would be worthwhile (albeit not for me in New Zealand!) As buyers/owners/users of these cars shouldn't we welcome more competition in the marketplace?

I agree that an e-mail to CSW is not a way to check out whether this company, or any company for that matter, is on the up and up. However, it may be one of the few options that we have at this stage.

I certainly don't intend to disparage what this company is trying to do since they may ultimately produce a great product. After reviewing the CSW website and having a look at the website of the company that apparently has been chosen to build the cars, Prestige Motor Works (PAW), a number of questions arose in my mind regarding their ability to produce a safe and viable product.

For instance:
1. What are the qualifications of the person who designed the car?
2. What will the weight distribution be?
3. Will the car, using a modern powerplant, be able to meet EPA rules that are stated in their regulations for kit cars?
4. What will the build time be?
5. Who will step up to the plate to purchase the first units(s) produced? (been there....done that as you know)
6. Since PAW currently produces 40 - 41 Willis kits (not turn keys), how will they do building completed cars for a demanding group of potential customers?

I have e-mailed them welcoming them into the frey and asking some pointed questions. I have not heard from them as yet, but will be interested to read the reply I hope to get. If they don't answer, I guess that will say something too.

Perhaps an invitation to Carlisle would be in order. I will let the Speedster event coordinator know that this company exists and ask that he extend the invitation. That was a great idea, Jim. Thanks.

Hoss

Remeber---Everyone is a 5'5" 105 lb "c" cup beauty. (online)

I had a reply from "Ted" at CSW who was most gracious and very open to ideas and suggestions. I would rank this as a positive experience.

Gordon contacted Ted also inviting them to Carlisle, but, unfortunately, they will not be able to attend this year. Perhaps they will attend in 2007. I hope they can make it. IMHO, having a few more builders out there is good for the community since it pushes the current group to consider new ideas and be mindful of what the customer base is looking for now and in the future.

I say good luck to the new player and let's hope that somebody on this site takes a field trip to see the new guys and reports back with their findings. (hint hint)

I wonder if we can expect a representative from CSW at Carlisle this year. Their website continues to be active and they are touting some pretty impressive stuff. I have seen no pictures to date of a completed CSW Speedster.

They should probably change their name to AMF Speedster (first word of acronym being 'Adios...)