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Greetings from Northern VA! Been lurking for a bit and felt it was time to start my first thread. Had a few questions but to keep it fun, figured I’d introduce myself to the new forum.

 

I’ve been a long time VW-head (water-cooled) for close to 20 years now. I’m still holding on to a few project cars but now that my wife and I had our first kiddo, I rarely make it out to any shows anymore and decided maybe it was time to switch up the next level of german car shows.

 

My wife works for Audi HQ here in VA, we both have petrol in our blood, our dog’s name is quattro and my son’s godfather is Tom Kristensen. Current projects are a 77 Rabbit running a 20v on ITBs (the angry car), imported RHD MK2 (the country driving car) and a ginster yellow MK3 with a 20v swap (the blowing off steam car). My wife drives anything from her daily Allroad to an RS4 Avant (it varies week to week), I know, she lives a tough life.

 

So after getting over the real vs. kit dilemma question, I decided that I really want to purchase a Coupe for a few reasons.

  • Easier to daily in VA where the weather is a little indecisive. How well do the higher end builders coupes stay watertight?
  • Want a boxer engine (maybe turbo?)
  • Would like to look into air ride suspension and upgraded hardware/chassis
  • Would like to know how feasible fitting a car seat in the back would be (not everyday mind you but when we cruise together, we never leave a man behind)

 

Now… I don’t want to be that guy and I’ve really tried searching before typing. Just had a few questions:

  1. Obviously not all molds are created equal. I know my choices seem to be ~Type A which is awesome because that’s my fav body anyways. Are there any builders who make molds the closest to OEM specs? Any to stay away from?
  2. Anybody with anything other than a modified beetle pan care to speak up about enhanced drivability in here? I’m sure I can build anything as long as the wallet can keep up but I was wondering if there were any specific builders out there dabbled in improved handling other than 50-year old tech.
  3. Anyone here finance through JJ Best? Horror/happy stories?

 

Thanks for all of the help and hoping to see some locals at the local shows!

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The selection of replica coupes is quite limited at the moment.  JPS has been producing a pretty basic pan-based couple for several years.  I'll let other with more experience chime in on them.  Beck is working to produce a custom-framed 356C coupe with all modern suspension and the options of VW, Porsche, or water-cooled Subaru power in either rear or mid-engined configuration, but they are still finishing development.  Not sure when real production will start.  Vintage Motorcars (I think that's the name) is working on a pre-A (bent window) coupe, but I don't know how close they are to being able to deliver.  As far as I know that's it except for a small number of partial kits that pop up from  once in a while.

Here's an option - There is a really nice Intermeccanica Convertible D (Roadster with roll-up windows) being sold by Phil Luebert on this forum.  His car has a hard top and A/C, which might make it fit your needs.  He's in VA, so you could take a look.  It's at a really good price.  Check out the Classifieds forum.

EDIT: Almost forgot - Phil's car has an Audi engine.  Keep things in the family.

Last edited by Lane Anderson

Hi JKrew,

You asked which makers to avoid.  Do yourself a favor, and don't consider Specialty Auto Sports (SAS) as a possible source.  They are extremely efficient at accepting deposits, but, actually makings cars, not so much.

Intermeccanica and Beck (Special Edition) both have excellent reputations, but only SE has a coupe in the works, as far as I know.

Last edited by Jim Kelly

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