IM speedster 6

2007 IM Speedster 6 for sale 3.2 liter/915 transaxel. Completely sorted out. Blue/bone leather/navy blue top. Heated seats, power windows, NO A/C, Bridgestone SO-2, Fuchs wheels, 7/8, too much to list. Go to IM website for complete photos, description.(Howard" GS Speedster) 7000 miles, car is perfect in every way. I have invested over 85k, built to specs. Would cost over 100k to build today according to Henry. 75k takes it away.

75K, I almost choked just saying it...

Nooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, Howie! What's in your sights for next car? I bet Matt will be bummed to see that car go away! Hope you find the right buyer for that beauty.

Hi Jim , Couldn't get away given the time and distance and my window of opportunity. Will catch up in Carlisle. Yes something "sinister" is in the works. I would like to offer the car first to any SOC member that might have an interest. All of you know IM and the quality of Henry's work, it speaks for itself. I don't have to sell it, its not a "distress" sale. I know what I put into it, and what it would cost in time and money to duplicate this custom build. Maybe someone will see the value. It truly is a one of a kind, as our Carlisle friends can attest. Anyone truly interested, please contact me.

looks great good luck

At Carlisle this spring, Howard had an out of mind experience and let me drive this car...

All I can say is that it is a STEAL at $75,000. I've driven production cars that were more expensive than this car and could not hold a candle to it for balance, power or build quality.

No kidding.

angela

East Coast Speedster gang will offer FREE delivery to buyer on West Coast! All that's needed is your gas credit card. Truely, not another one like it!

Howard---anxious to know what causes this great opportunity for someone.

I will say, it is the most beautiful car of any kind I have ever seen with a real 911 engine! The color is spectacular and the interior is
amazing. I hope your plans include something about "Speedsterdom" and continuing to be active on this site and at events like Carlisle.

Good luck, Doc.----Jack

I do appreciate all the kind words about "La Bomba". She is a beauty and truly a one of a kind. I may be taking a plunge on the wild side, and may be restoring a 69 4.2 XKE convertible. Dont know if the buy will pan out, and some people think Ive lost my mind, but Ive always liked them. I have a dear friend who is ready to help me turn a wrench. Can you imagine! I'm also of a mind to keep the speedster. Lets see what happens. I drove it today (speedster) and it really is heaven. Torque, light, responsive, handles like its on rails, with real heat, defroster/wipers that work, and a top that dosen't leak! A real "production P car has nothing over this puppy!

Sell "La Bomba" ?... You'll kick yourself in the arse and leaving the boot in place ~ Jaguar has Lucas electrical components aka The Prince of Darkness ( Know that ALL Lucas components had smoke factory installed, as they get older said smoke "leaks" )add into the equation the way funky carbs that will haunt you day in and day out.
I too have sold a car that I regretted doing so the instant I was handed a check..... Rx is to go for another local to you long drive up and over Schooley's Mountain and back just as fast as you dare to run it :) ~Alan

Howard, years ago the little red house on the hair pin turn had so many sports cars launch over the embankment and come in for a landing on their front porch that the owner had a set of porch plans and material list on file at the local lumber yard in Chester NJ ? :)

Alan I hear you loud and clear. Yesterday's drive was sublime! Keeping talkin me down from the ledge!!! I just need a variance to add more garage space. Need another one of those home lifts I imagine.

You know, Howard, I am sure I can find the room if you need storage space :)

I'd only be too glad to help you with your problem!

Seriously, just drive it more often to keep it fresh in your mind. I don't think I could ever sell my Spyder, but I am building a 911 because I need 4 seats and weather protection. Sounds like you've got the best of both worlds there. Plus, I really enjoyed the ride in it at Carlisle!

Hi Danny, Good to hear from you! I know your right. Its just too good to give up. I still would like to get together for a cruise at some point. The leaves are starting to look good!

Howard, find a Jag XKE 4.2, rent it for a week, return it to it's owner after realizing how glad you are that it is not yours.

Hi Will, I know, I know, but I was considering doing a complete frame-off with new, up to date electrics, etc etc.... Just a project that I feel might be fun, and time consuming, that my son and I could do together. Unless I get an offer I can't refuse, the speedster will probably stay in the family. Hope all is well with you. Next year I'll be at the IM BBQ for sure.

Howard--knowing you, I'm sure you will thoroughly research the Jag before you start a project.

As I was researching options leading to getting some fun car to own, I was considering something like an MGTD or maybe a Morgan, but when I thought about what I wanted to actually do with the car, I bought my Vintage Speedster.

My objectives were:

1. Enjoy owning a beautiful and special car.
2. Showing it at car shows.
4. Meet other like-minded people.
5. Driving it to events --even out of state.

Well, it was easy to see that an MG or a Morgan would never meet the #5 objective, although it might fill the bill for the rest. My Speedster far exceeds everything I wanted in a car. I do enjoy driving it to Carlisle and The Dragon, and next year to Morrow Bay. I don't expect to spot a single MG or Morgan or even a Jaguar being driven on the interstates in my travels, but owner's of those cars will still have the enjoyment of what were my other 4 objectives by trailering I guess. I never understood the idea of caravaning in trailers but sure love to do it driving with other Speedsters!

If there was ever a more gorgeous, sext car than an XKE I don't know what it is, so maybe the best route for you is to get another garage bay built and have both La Bomba and the Jag! Do keep us posted!---Jack

Cancel whatever you were planning for the weekend (wasn't that important anyway ~) and come out with your son and and enjoy priceless quality father son time driving with The Pumpkin Run gang, we do some beautiful roads out here...

How's that for a sales pitch ? ~Alan

Howard don't let them talk you out of the Jag build. Just think street rod harness built LS1 and you'll get the feel of REAL power. Love my rod and what it does. Can't duplicate the satisfaction of building a car yourself. If you need some advice you know how close I am. MIKE

Thanks Mike, I see you up and down Calais as Im huffin and puffin, trying to keep father time at bay. I know your around for some tech support. Im looking to do something cool. Ive always liked the E-type. I think I'll keep the speedster for the being. We'll see.

Howard!

Are you friggin NUTS??????

A Jag-u-are? C'mon!

OK, OK........If you Really want a Jag, then listen to Will and Alan and now to me: Tear out the engine, transmission and entire wiring system (I know, I know.....there's NOTHING that sounds like a Jag engine. Big deal - just like there's nothing that sounds like an Austin Healey engine, or an MG engine, or other British iron, ad nauseum. B.S.!!)

Once you get rid of the engine and transmission, sell'em on ebay to some Jag-u-are nutcase who wants to spend countless hours and even more countless dollars getting them rebuilt. Then, go out and buy a small-block V8 with matching transmission (Manual or automatic), along with the entire engine electrical harness and pop them in. Then get the rest of the Jaguar wiring harness from Painless Electrics and get it done RIGHT. With more than three fuses for the entire car.

There are countless Jags out there running around with American V8 conversions. Several companies sell complete conversion kits for small block American V8's, either Chevy or Ford. Why? Because when the conversion is done the car becomes RELIABLE! Something your IM already is but the Jag (yes, even with the 4.2) will never be! Oh! And did I mention that they leak at least as bad as Speedsters that did not come from IM or SAS???

Doing the above will get you the car that looks as you want it to look, but, like a Speedster replica, will have updated innards that are cheap and easy to fix.

Plus, you won't have to buy a $2,500 set of specialty Jag-u-are "spanners" and tools just to work on your (now sold) 4.2

gn

I remember years ago pulling into a gas station and there was a guys filling up an XKE with a chevy engine in it. It was incredible!!! The sound, mmmmmmmmmm. :)
Ever since I've always loved the idea of that setup. I think the XKE's are one of the sexiest cars ever made, but for reasons already stated, I would never buy one.
There is a guy who comes into the restaurant that has a couple jags, one being a beautiful red/ white top XKE. It is a gorgeuos car but he hardly ever drives it. Why? I never asked him, but I'd guess he doesn't like to drive it far. ;)

Gordon, that is the most dispicable thing I have heard in a long time.....The SR71 leaked, except at speed, but it was a beautiful thing just sitting on the ground....Not everything is suppose to be reliable...The E type is every bit as beautiful as a speedster...

Jaguar... You're never totally out of touch & always able to communicate via smoke signals. Muster your Boy Scout Morse code skills.

~ Raise and quickly lower the hood for "dots"... slowly raise and lower the hood for "dashes".

Hey Guys, DONT hold back, tell me how really feel! Didn't mean to start a fuss, putting La Bomba on the block, might have been a brain fart. But I really feel the need to do/build/struggle with something cool, motorized and SEXY!!! Any thoughts... now don't hold back

Howard,

I did the DIY thing for 5 1/2 years with my 1960 356 Sunroof Coupe. I had a great car. Everyone including Henry loved the car at last July's IM BBQ. I had a blast with my buddy Rick on the 3,921 mile road trip.

That said it is not in the same league as the IM-6. If you do make it to the IM BBQ next year you will be able to see my dream IM-6 there as well. I hope to see you and your blue machine close up not in pictures.

As far as the Jag goes if you were talking a XK-150 I could get excited. As cool as E-Types were they are not in the same league....IMHO.

I did a father daughter 67 VW restoration. It's a lot cheaper and you have the same bonding......;-)

Dave, a 67 Zenith Blue Sedan ....... now that is SEXY! This one lives in my garage.

Buy a speedster body and make a club racer out of it running it at the NJ Motor-Sports Park in Millville NJ .

OR....buy / build a race go cart and get your son into the hobby at the same park. http://njmp.com/ ~Alan

That Jaguar might not be a very reliable car.

I think Angela also did the Jaguar-Chevy-engine-thing with great success!

One thing about the Chevy engine in a Jaguar, besides the invoice for the last tuneup $35, is the old Jag engine can be cleaned up and looks really good on a pedestal. I saw a six with three SU carbs on a walnut stand, everything was polished nicely, there was nothing inside the engine and the hole where the rod went through the block was nicely epoxied and matched the surface well.

An engine in the foyer or the den.

...and the hole where the rod went through the block BWAAHAHHAHAHAH ~

Howard,

Please LISTEN VERY CAREFULLY...YOU ARE NOT TO SELL LA BOMBA! There, I had to get that off my chest.

You see, I have this plan all worked out that includes La Bomba and getting together with you and your bride in a couple of years. My son is working on his PhD in Physics at UConn. When he graduates, I will have to come back East for the event and intend to stay for a bit. While there, I am hoping to visit La Bomba and its family. If you sell her, my plans are shot and the boy should just come home now.

Your brother form Olympia,

Tomm

Tomm, That is the most cogent argument for keeping her Ive heard. All kidding aside though, she is not actively being placed on the market. If I ever get a serious offer I might entertain it, but 75k for a "toy" is not 1st on the list nowadays. I'll be looking foward to seeing you and celebrating your kid's movement into the tax code!
My neighbors were appalled that I would even think of selling her. This little auto has in many ways defined my being around the hood. I'm amazed at how much pleasure seeing this ride gives other people, whether it be at a gas station, car show or sitting in my car park as people jog by and stare. And I thought they were looking at me! How sad.........

Whew! I feel much better now.

Jaguars... My first and never forgotten love.

A 12 cylinder E-type coupe got it all started for me. I didn't know a carb from a brake cylinder but I just had to know what was under that dirty tarp in a neighbor's tractor barn. He slid the filthy piece of fabric back and the long sexy nose of a white e-type came to light. The sun glinted softly on the dirty chrome, the tires were flat, cracks radiated through the windshield, and it hadn't run in years. He lifted the bonnet and I've never forgotten the next moment. How could an engine be that big in such a small car? How could it look like that? Fell hard in love that day with all things automotive and with Jaguars in particular.

Wound up many years later with a 76 XJ-6L with a transplanted small block chevy. My daily driver and kid-hauler for many years. Drove it everywhere, even to bicycle races. Never once left me anyplace. Never once did the wipers work right - LOL! The nice torquey american lump rolled the big cat down the road with authority. To this day, that is my number one high speed freeway car. As stable as my living room couch and with great high speed road holding. Not gymnast agile, like my 911's, but good on it's feet, even graceful, the way that a large man is sometimes a most elegant dancer. Loved that car but if I ever bring another one home, Steve will certainly disown me!

The car was stolen from our drive and recovered about 6 months later very much the worse for wear. That engine now powers Dad's SS. Still have all the small block chevy to Jaguar parts left over (saved them before scrapping the car) should anyone be interested.

I wouldn't do this to an E-type though. An XJ-6? Wouldn't have one any other way!

Good to hear you "may" be reconsidering the parting of company with La Bomba. As a perfectly tailored suite looks good on anyone of a similar size, it best fits only one man. So does this car best fit you.

angela

I have long wanted a Mark II with Chevy engine.

I built this 4 years ago, the few shows I took this to the good ole' Ford boys would cringe.. Small block 350hp 350fpt.

For once I agree with Vince. Putting a different engine in an E-Type would be sacrilegious, on the same par as putting a Ford engine in a Ferrari or a VW engine in a 911. Howard, if it's feasible, go for an E-type replica and put a crate engine in it. Let someone else restore a classic Jag instead of mutilating it. Sure you'd have a great looking car with a carefree engine but it would be so devalued it be a shame. Maybe I'm a classic-snob, but my idea of a hot rod doesn't include foreign cars unless it's an Austin 7 with a V8.