New to the group. I've been around classic cars for as long as I can remember. My father was a high end street rod builder, specializing in pre 1948, fat fendered American classics in Detroit. I now work with a custom shop in Southern California, and we specialize in early Ford Broncos. I've been fortunate to get behind the wheel of just about every shape and size of American steel. At age 40, I truly regret not owning one of these little replicars sooner. A great friend and Porsche collector suggested I try out a speedster a couple months ago. He let me drive his authentic roadster, and then had me drive his IM. He ruined me, I had to have one right away. Fortunately there were a few options for me to try locally. I drove a Beck Subie on tubular frame, I drove a JPS Subie on VW pan, and then he found me a 2004 IM convertible D with the 1776 and 356 exhaust. The subies were fast and fun, but the IM just felt right. The instant likes were the taller windshield, comfortable seats, power glass windows, and taller top feature. But what really got me was the driving experience. Although less power, the fun factor was level 10. My first air cooled car and certainly not my last. I can say without a shred of doubt that this is the most fun I have had driving a car. I find simple trips to the grocery store become 1 hour cruises on PCH. I live in convertible heaven, with endless windy roads to explore around the coast of Southern California. I wasn't sold on the guards red at first, I have considered changing it to black, but the more time I spend with the car, the more I love it. Anyway, thanks for hosting this forum and Im sure I will be logging in often.
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