@David K I know you made your decision already but here are some reports from people who HAVE given SL money and haven't gotten a car.
https://www.tapatalk.com/group...b36e954e0ecabe24fae3
The forums to pay attention to are: The Queue, New Member (Another guy in the queue) but start at the last page, and Any Deliveries in 2017. The last reply there was in 2018. Start at the last page or so and read from there.
A Speedster is definitely not for you. Like others have said you WILL GET WET if it rains. I was going to suggest a Subaru powered 356 coupe replica but if it has to be a convertible you’re doing well in checking out older Boxsters. A friend found an all original black 996 for $15K. He had to fix the convertible top mechanism, install new shocks and give it a nice detail but it is a KILLER CAR right from the factory and it has the speed, handling, thrills and creature comforts (A/C system that works as opposed to the ones on earlier aircooled cars). Yes I know, he got lucky but he had an insider at a car dealership that gave him first dibs.
Impala, let me try again. In considering the various possible speedster replicas that I *thought* were available to me, I preferred one that had a better roof mechanism and actual windows that seal compared to the original andore accurate replicas, such as those made by HWSNBNA (He Who Shall Not Be Named Autos, AKA SAS) . That was one of the reasons I was attracted to HWSNBNA cars.
If I could find a somewhat reliable replica that I could take a road trip in but otherwise would be more weather dependent that was going to get me wet if it rained, I would still be interested because they are so classically beautiful.
My plan was to get a 15-30 year old Boxter or 911 for 2 or 3 years while my 356 was constructed and sell the newer car in fact. But now that my perfect 356 bubble has been burst I am back to square 1. I might find an existing replica to buy and live with it's foibles, or I might settle for a used Boxter or 911 (or TT, or...). Or I might just oggle the 356 cars of others as I have been for the last 15 years.
"Impala, let me try again. In considering the various possible speedster replicas that I *thought* were available to me, I preferred one that had a better roof mechanism and actual windows that seal compared to the original andore accurate replicas, such as those made by HWSNBNA (He Who Shall Not Be Named Autos, AKA SAS) . That was one of the reasons I was attracted to HWSNBNA cars.
If I could find a somewhat reliable replica that I could take a road trip in but otherwise would be more weather dependent that was going to get me wet if it rained, I would still be interested because they are so classically beautiful."
Has anyone suggested you look for a used Intermeccanica? Power glass windows, and more closely fitting tops.
^^^^ What he said.
Yeah, I've been wondering why the "IM Faithful" (no slight intended, folks) hadn't chimed in on this. While I don't know if Intermeccanicas are totally leak free, they do seem to be a lot drier inside than the average Speedster replica and electric roll-up windows are the bomb, for sure. They may sell at a premium over the other brands, but they seem to be worth it for the dry interior and a lot of other popular features.
Something also to consider, is when something goes amiss or you need a replacement part, pretty much anything on an IM can be quickly identified and a source found, while on the SAS you first have to identify the part, figure out if it's a Porsche, VW, Subaru or custom Hot Rod part, then find a source and see if you can get a replacement. Lawing had a habit of either using eccentric Hot Rod or Custom parts (he comes from the Hot Rod world, remember) or something he fabs up from other stuff. And when THAT fails you're in deep doo-doo.
Looking at Intermeccanicas, to me, seems like the most intelligent option.
@Gordon Nichols posted:Yeah, I've been wondering why the "IM Faithful" (no slight intended, folks) hadn't chimed in on this. While I don't know if Intermeccanicas are totally leak free, they do seem to be a lot drier inside than the average Speedster replica and electric roll-up windows are the bomb, for sure. They may sell at a premium over the other brands, but they seem to be worth it for the dry interior and a lot of other popular features.
Something also to consider, is when something goes amiss or you need a replacement part, pretty much anything on an IM can be quickly identified and a source found, while on the SAS you first have to identify the part, figure out if it's a Porsche, VW, Subaru or custom Hot Rod part, then find a source and see if you can get a replacement. Lawing had a habit of either using eccentric Hot Rod or Custom parts (he comes from the Hot Rod world, remember) or something he fabs up from other stuff. And when THAT fails you're in deep doo-doo.
Looking at Intermeccanicas, to me, seems like the most intelligent option.
Why don't the IM faithful chime in on this? Because nobody wants to be "that guy". Some of us are still a bit salty and reluctant to tout the virtues of IM, after being called shills for the company a few (well, many now) years back.
A new build is really, really long money now, but Gordon is right - looking at used ones is where I'd be headed if I was in the market.
To second what Stan says, I usually try to keep my opinions to myself.
I also don't want to be seen as descending from the mountain to preach to the masses.
Intermeccanicas are what they are.
Dead horse?
We all know IMs are great, even the early ones. As some of my compadres have said above, Convertible D’s are definitely drier inside than Speedsters but that’s the nature of the beast, even in the real Porsches.
And after reading David’s comments I believe he’s on the right track. I am glad fellow forum members saved him from being another SAS victim. Many years ago, an ex member here called Steve who was an airline pilot by trade, and whom I met in person once, had a nice ivory SAS and loved it but regretfully it was totaled in an accident and he retired from the hobby. Hoss (Mr. Hallstrand), who I also met in person is the other guy who had his red one and was very happy with it. I wish Mr. Lawing would streamline his manufacturing process and improve his client satisfaction index because the cars he cranked out, when he did, were very very nice. Quite a large number of manufacturers (if not all of them) have jumped on the Subaru powertrain bandwagon since then. Maybe this will make it more possible for David to find his dream car that way.
That's true Ricardo, but it's an understatement as well. I have an IM speedster, and like all Vancouver IMs, it has rollup windows. I have driven through biblical-plague level thunderstorms. It's not a leak-proof car, but it's a completely different animal than the 2 pan-based car I had previously.
BTW, Steve is back on here - not posting nearly as much, but has a Subaru coupe on order from Greg.
That is great! Happy to hear that.
