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It's been a while since I posted anything on the build of my car so I think it's best to start a new thread.  Here's where things stand:

  1. As Carey said, the first car (P1, his car) is in final assembly while Chuck's car (P2) is about to go into paint.
  2. Production car #1 (P001), which is mine (YAY!!!!) is slated for delivery in the spring, hopefully in time for the Kiawah Island show and Carlisle.
  3. Four of the first six production spots are filled, with the remaining two on hold pending test drives.

Here are the basic specifications as released by Carey to those that have expressed interest: 

A mid engine tribute to the T6 twin grill coupe, the Beck Super Coupe features a modern square tube chassis, modern suspension, modern steering and modern amenities, all cloaked in a vintage body…
  
Chassis and suspension design by Chuck Beck.
2x4 steel tube chassis with 1x2 lateral bracing and center tunnel.
Double a frame front suspension with adjustable coil overs. NOTE: For those of you that know Chuck and have followed my limited releases on the Coupe development, you know that this was a LONG part of the development process and we achieved a PROPER suspension geometry with virtually 0 bump steer.
Inverted a-frame trailing arm rear suspension with 4 link and adjustable coil overs.
Manual rack and pinion steering.
Standard Beck steering column with crush coupler.
Standard Beck 4 wheel disc brakes with available track brake packages made available upon request.
Silver painted steel 10 slot road wheels,
15x5.5 with tire packages available from original sized 155/80 to modern 195/60. Custom wheel and tire packages available as requested.
  
Drivetrain and controls
Mid engine design with interchangeable engine cradles.
Current engine cradles to accommodate either
a) Subaru EJ253 SOHC 2.5L NA (175hp) mated to your choice of the 5 speed manual or automatic Subaru gearbox. Factory ECU w/ OBD-II diagnostics.

 

b) Kia 1.6L GDI I4 (135hp) mated to a Kia 6 speed manual or automatic sidewinder gearbox.  Factory ECU w/ OBD-II diagnostics.
Smooth cable shifting.
Electronic throttle control
Wilwood brake and clutch pedals mated to a dual circuit 19mm brake master and OEM hydraulic clutch system (Subaru or Kia hydraulics)
 
Exterior details
hand laminated FRP body
basecoat/clear coat paint in your choice of color
Sealed rear trunk with twin “engine” grills
Restoration quality taillights and turn signals
Restoration quality upper horn grills
Lower fog light panel ducted to front mount custom radiator
restoration quality twin Hella license plate lights
restoration quality Hella reverse light
restoration quality C style hood handle with Beck crest
proper functional gas filler door on fender
proper drip rail
original C front and rear glass
original C door hinges
locking door handles w/ key
  
Interior details
Exact copy dash with locking glovebox
VDO instruments
60mm clock
authentic switches and bezels
hidden AC/heat controls
exact reproduction covered dash top insert
standard leather seats and door panels

 

standard German square weave wool carpet
Cocomat floormats
Speedster GT seats (optional comfort seats available upon request)
Exact copy door cards with arm rest
Electric roll up windows with fixed wing window
Standard fixed ¼ window, pop out ¼ window available upon request
Proper headliner with headliner bows/ribs
C style day/night rear view mirror
C style sun visors
In addition to the above, we will be custom fabricating to your requests, so if you don’t see something that you desire, just ask.
Production schedule as of 9/12/18
  • Prototype 1 (P1) in final assembly, Carey’s car, Subaru EJ253, 5 speed, Harvest Beige/Green 
  • Prototype 2 (P2) in mechanical assembly prior to paint, Chuck’s car, Kia 1.6L GDI, 6 speed auto, Silver/Red
  • Production car 001: Lane Anderson, Subaru EJ253, 5 speed, details TBD, delivery Spring 19
  • Production car 002: open, delivers Spring 19
  • Production car 003: open, delivers Summer19
  • Production car 004: open, delivers Summer 19
  • Production car 005: open, delivers Fall19
  • Production car 006: open, delivers Fall19
 
Once the first 6 spots are filled we may schedule a couple winter builds for late ’19 delivery, depending on the rest of our schedule.

Carey and I are discussing the colors and other specs on my car and I will post when firmed up.
 
YEEHAH!!!

1964 Beck Super Coupe

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Picture didn't show.  Know Chuck Beck has spent time with the KIA motor for his ride but just seems like a strange pick.  Especially when he put a Lambo V12 on a motorcycle. Seems he builds with what is readily available to him though. Only 135 hp compared to Subaru 175 hp.  Plus its a tall engine compared to flat, low center of gravity Subaru.  CarandDriver said the base Soul’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder makes 131 horsepower and can be paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. We tested this engine with the manual transmission in 2014, and it turned in a lackadaisical 9.1-second zero-to-60-mph time.

The Soul that it comes from is a tall boxy car but is also available with a 2.0L 161 hp version.  CarandDriver says the KIA Exclaim features the new turbocharged 1.6-liter four and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With 201 horsepower on tap, it’s downright quick, and a heavy-throttle start will easily spin the front wheels. That sounds like the preferred engine but perhaps its too new and maybe doesn't offer a manual trans.

Kind of surprised the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 2L DOHC direct injection Boxer engine wasn't looked at - 205hp and lots of aftermarket engine stuff.  It is a sweet sports car sounding engine to boot. They are around but I'm sure not in the volume of wrecked KIA Souls.  I'm a big fan of the Mazda Skyactive 2L and 2.5L (turbo avail) engines  (155-184 hp) available from many Mazda lines like the Mazda3/CX3 with a 6-speed manual or 6 speed automatic. (2L in MX-5 Miata but rear wheel drive config). Lots of torque and high reving. Lots of those around!

Can't wait for a ride in yours!

Last edited by WOLFGANG
IaM-Ray posted:

With all the R&D it has to be starting higher than the Speedster I would think.  

I would think, on the other hand the revision in the frame will allow benefits to the other cars.  

I mean at this point the suspension must be moving away from P origins and be a unique car by itself. I wonder if  @chines1 can enlighten us.  

From the post:

• Double a-frame front suspension with adjustable coil overs. NOTE: For those of you that know Chuck and have followed my limited releases on the Coupe development, you know that this was a LONG part of the development process and we achieved a PROPER suspension geometry with virtually 0 bump steer.
• Inverted a-frame trailing arm rear suspension with 4 link and adjustable coil overs.
• Manual rack and pinion steering.
 
As for the price, Carey said I could mention that the basic MSRP was targeted at $65k.  I can't imagine how it could be built for less.
WOLFGANG posted:

Picture didn't show.  Know Chuck Beck has spent time with the KIA motor for his ride but just seems like a strange pick.  Especially when he put a Lambo V12 on a motorcycle. Seems he builds with what is readily available to him though. Only 135 hp compared to Subaru 175 hp.  Plus its a tall engine compared to flat, low center of gravity Subaru.  CarandDriver said the base Soul’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder makes 131 horsepower and can be paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. We tested this engine with the manual transmission in 2014, and it turned in a lackadaisical 9.1-second zero-to-60-mph time.

The Soul that it comes from is a tall boxy car but is also available with a 2.0L 161 hp version.  CarandDriver says the KIA Exclaim features the new turbocharged 1.6-liter four and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. With 201 horsepower on tap, it’s downright quick, and a heavy-throttle start will easily spin the front wheels. That sounds like the preferred engine but perhaps its too new and maybe doesn't offer a manual trans.

Kind of surprised the Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 2L DOHC direct injection Boxer engine wasn't looked at - 205hp and lots of aftermarket engine stuff.  It is a sweet sports car sounding engine to boot. They are around but I'm sure not in the volume of wrecked KIA Souls.  I'm a big fan of the Mazda Skyactive 2L and 2.5L (turbo avail) engines  (155-184 hp) available from many Mazda lines like the Mazda3/CX3 with a 6-speed manual or 6 speed automatic. (2L in MX-5 Miata but rear wheel drive config). Lots of torque and high reving. Lots of those around!

Can't wait for a ride in yours!

Being a mid engine set up, I don't think tall will hurt it to much.

Very interesting report. I'm sure it will be AWE-SOME. Attention to detail, fit and finish -- we know how they roll at SE, so how sweet it will be.  I have a question about the mid engine thing. Vs. an original, I'm supposing the back jump seats are now where the engine is.  True, more or less?  The two mid engine speedies I've been in seemed a little crowded with all that volume blanked off.  Plus a bit noisy (well, OK, Speedsters are noisy, no matter what) and also heat generators.  Cool cars, drive nice -- or even a couple ticks beyond nice -- but not quite comfy on the inside.  So, I'm curious how all that sorts out here.  Any ideas??   A picture would save 1,000 words.

Well, Kevin Hines is quite a bit taller than me (I know.... Just about everyone is!) and I can't imagine them building ANY car that he and Carey can't fit into so I really don't think the leg room versus mid or rear engine is ever going to be an issue.  They know what they're doing and they won't be limiting their market. 

Last edited by Gordon Nichols

I know Carey does a great job I saw Joe's car and it is an awesome build. 

Even so, having been in a few speedsters and not fitting in too well, due to my particular body style, if there is physical room to move the seat back or sink the seat,  it might give me an option in the future to escape the sun.    Just saying. 

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