Looking for some help. Looking to buy a CMC and it would be much appreciated. I'm currently looking to purchase a local CMC. Its registered as a 1958. Car is mint with a full spec sheet from the current seller. I know a little about the CMC builds but would love to know if there is anything I should be looking at, or to stay away from. seller wants $38,000 Canadian dollars. Here is the list he gave me of option to car. Thanks in advance for any help.
Cheers,
Damon
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So that's $27, 280 USD. That's a hefty price for a CMC. What the interior like? CMC interior was spartan - hopefully it sports a new VS interior ($1800 cost). What are gauges? I'm not a fan of the VINTAGE gauges used on most CMC. VDO are far better. How old are tires? 6-8 years is time to replace them (check the DOT manf date stamped into them). Is the top/tonneau still vinyl or has it been upgraded to Haartz cloth (an $800 cost)? Original gel coat or show paint?
$28k should get you a newer VS - but not sure if it could be imported into Canada.
WOLFGANG thank
Thank you for your reply. These are all great questions and the reason I reached out to the experts here. I will be asking these questions to seller over the weekend. For now here are some pictures of the gauges and such. Thanks again form a cmc newbie. 
I see the BC licence plate. Are you in British Columbia? I'd be looking for a good used Intermeccanica around that price, and you'd have a much better car.
It may take some looking, but that's what I would be doing.
Hey ALB, the car is located over on the island in Victoria where I live. I agree with you on the price. Look forward hearing from you bud. Cheers
@Bob: IM S6 posted:I see the BC licence plate. Are you in British Columbia? I'd be looking for a good used Intermeccanica around that price, and you'd have a much better car.
It may take some looking, but that's what I would be doing.
Yes I'm in Victoria BC. I have been looking for about 5 years now with now luck. A couple Intermeccanica's have come up in the past. but they have been north of $50k.. To much for my budget. I appreciate your input though Bob. Cheers
The price is on the high side but from what the pics show the car has been upgraded and shows very nice. You would be best served by driving several of the different brands of Speedsters to get a feel for the difference in quality if any. The thing about CMC/Fiberfab cars is they were almost all home built and not sold turnkey so the quality of the craftsmanship is all over the range and contingent on the skill of the builder. A well built CMC can be a very nice car and it appears the one you are looking at has had money spent on newer upgrades and is very clean. This car at $22k would be a good deal if everything is in order. Good luck and have fun in the process of looking and make sure whatever Speedster you buy is enjoyable for you to drive if it isn't you wont use it and there are many CMC Speedsters out there with less than 500 miles on them, why do you think this is? How many miles is on this one? . Welcome to the madness!
PS. I noticed the engine compartment appeared to be clean and have all the cooling tins and pcs. to seal the engine compartment to keep the engine from drawing hot air from under the engine causing over heating and premature engine failure. It is always a good sign when this is seen at least the owner/builder knew what they were doing in this aspect. On many speedsters you can see the ground from inside the engine compartment. This is always a big red flag for me and it would need to be a great deal with the cost of a engine rebuild factored in. Again, good luck and drive a speedster before you buy. You may not even like the unique feel of these wonderful cars. It isn't for everyone!
Theron's IM still listed for $29.9k US. It's an '87 build - Convertible "D" with windup windows. Guards Red with light tan interior. Couldn't it be easily imported to BC? In San Jose now.
https://www.speedsterowners.com/topic/imec
I too have a CMC - CMC bought the Speedster molds and tooling from IM when IM was in Calif. So you can't knock the bits. Like JimmyV said it just depends on skill/patience/$ the builder was willing to put into it. Being in BC, its not like you can just look on Craigslist and pickup a Speedster replica. Supply and Demand rule.
That said Theron's is a steal if it can be imported. Al will fly/train down with you to pick it up (for a Molson or two).
@WOLFGANG posted:Theron's IM still listed for $29.9k US. It's an '87 build - Convertible "D" with windup windows. Guards Red with light tan interior. Couldn't it be easily imported to BC? In San Jose now.
https://www.speedsterowners.com/topic/imec
I too have a CMC - CMC bought the Speedster molds and tooling from IM when IM was in Calif. So you can't knock the bits. Like JimmyV said it just depends on skill/patience/$ the builder was willing to put into it. Being in BC, its not like you can just look on Craigslist and pickup a Speedster replica. Supply and Demand rule.
That said Theron's is a steal if it can be imported. Al will fly/train down with you to pick it up (for a Molson or two).
Theron's car is over 15 years old, and can be imported into Canada. And, being in British Columbia, the province knows about Intermeccanica, and it shouldn't be a problem getting it insured and licensed.
The importation process can be fiddly, but it may be worth it to have a tube frame Intermeccanica with roll up windows, a good top, and all the other Intermeccanica stuff. Plus, you can get it serviced by Henry in Westminster...
I'd consider Theron's car.
^ I agree with every word of Bob's recommendation.
Imagine living in BC where it rains all the time and you have no roll up windows and no real top you won't be enjoying the car much... Bob is right on the money for sure, and IM is available for all your support, that in and of itself, is a no brainer. How easy can it get for service, repairs, and upgrades. IMO, don't even think of the CMC, you have only one choice really that makes any sense. IM. 
Thank you for all the replies and info on the CMC. I have looked into importing from the US. I have done in the past with some other vehicles I own. He is the biggest problem with that.... Our current exchange rate... 
$29k turns into $40k Canadian plus shipping and other fee's. That puts me over my budget.. Like WOLFGANG said. There are zero that come up for sale to even look at here in BC. The odd one will pop up for sale that is either way over priced for what it is.$50k north.. Honesty they never seem to come u for sale. I have a budget of up to $35k Canadian. I have had ads posted for a couple years now. Only emails I have had were for a wide body kit that was in pieces...hah. I will be having a look at the CMC maybe this weekend. At least now I have a little more info on what i'm looking for. Ive been waiting for this long,. and I will wait until the right one comes up.. I will keep you guys updated. Thank you all for your expertise.
Damon
In the very wise words of Stan, "Buy once, cry once". 5k Canadian plus fees and transport is not a lot in the long run. I'm transporting a car 2500 miles right now and it's $1200 USD. How far is California to Vancouver? HALF the distance, maybe less depending on California location.
Theron's IM is clearly the better value and will end up being a much more enjoyed car with the well-fitting top and roll-up windows.
And that Canadian CMC ad where it says 1500 pounds? Baloney, the lightest CMC I've seen is over 1800 pounds. My Spyder weighs an actual 1500 pounds.
@IaM-Ray posted:Imagine living in BC where it rains all the time...
HEY!- it doesn't rain here all of the time (just one heck of a lot)
This was Thursday- the boys and I went for another drive. About 1½ hours from our house- and another pic of our trusty steed. We didn't get up high enough to get into snow-
Damon88,
I have a CMC speedster built on a 1971 VW IRS Pan in 1987 with lots of extras including powered by a 1966 Porsche engine (which was a factory leftover 1965 356SC engine.)
Since then it has been rebuilt and has about 14,500k miles now. I have been very happy with my car although I don’t know what other companies’ speedsters ride like, mine is been a joy but I don’t drive it very much, in fact I’ve only put about 3000 miles on since 2018, but my wife won’t let me sell it right now! And as the saying goes: “happy wife happy life”😍
IndianBob
Nice looking Speedster Mr. IndianBob!
CMC Speedsters rarely sell for over $20k US. As was mentioned before the home built aspect is a deal breaker for many. I have seen a few sell in the low teens. A well sorted Vintage can be had in the high twenty to low thirty range. In spite of having a Canadian SIL I am clueless about the importation regulations. The car is way overpriced regardless of currency IMHO.
majorkahuna I would think Alan Merklin and the customers that have bought the many CMC Speedsters that has built would strongly disagree with your statement concerning CMC values. I with some respect call BS on that my fellow SOC member!
Just follow the market and what I see them selling for. I did not refer to any particular builder.
I bought ours for $22,000, the only thing I’ve done to it is added fog lights, the Moto-Lita steering wheel, front disc brakes, a Pioneer Bluetooth cd radio, custom ‘CruzIn’ windows for top down driving, and a ‘BlazeCut’ Fire Suppression System.
It already had a Delco-Remy HEI electronic ignition distributor, Weber dual 40 carbs, KYB shocks, Triumph Spitfire seats with retractable Corvette seatbelts, a Vintage Co. brand luggage rack, Porsche 912 fly wheel and clutch to match the 912 engine, a spin-on oil filter setup with an oil cooler, thick anti-sway bars both front and rear, and a bunch other stuff that was done to the car during the build to make it safer, stiffer, and ride better.
So I think the $22,000 I paid for the car was a really good deal because I’ve already had a legitimate offer of $30,000 to sell it. And as you probably know, a rebuilt Porsche 912 turnkey engine alone runs between $8k and $10k!
However, as I alluded in my previous post, I basically would have to sleep in a separate bedroom from my wife if I sold it!😂
Yeah a low teen $$
CMC is a drag me home one!
@Damon88 posted:Thank you for all the replies and info on the CMC. I have looked into importing from the US. I have done in the past with some other vehicles I own. He is the biggest problem with that.... Our current exchange rate...
Damon
@Damon88 I think you should call Knightsbridge foreign exchange to get a quote on the exchange of your money you might be able to safe a percent or more on the txn.
Also, I think we can safely say that this hobby will incur continual expenses.
The biggest question to ask is are you mechanically able to do all the upkeep and fine tuning for this car? If the answer is yes you might be able to be slightly ahead with the CMC but no matter how you slice it, the cost of a non IM will be more money in the long run without easy help available.
I own an IM and just sourcing out parts is way way easier for me as I have the builder who can tell me where, when, and who has the part if they do not ship it to me directly Also upgrades are available.
Robert is a gem for me at IM.
P.S. I think you should talk to Theron he has had that car for a while maybe he wants to unload it and can help you out with the price seing theCan value of the $ went down again.
hmmmmm........
You know, Damon, in my experience, CMC/Fiberfab Speedster bodies were very well made. Some of the trim bits were on the cheap side, but the bodies themselves were really decent (and I have seen more than one Beck or IM near me with pitted/corroded headlight rims and other trim from the weather, so they're not immune, either). Many CMCs suffer from "Butt-Sag" and that can be easily corrected in an afternoon. Some were built without the front frame brace but your photo of the Frunk shows the brace boltheads in the right spot so that one is fine - They even used carriage bolts for a professional look, too!
The problem after that was whomever put the car together, and that might have been more than one person over time as each, in turn, got to 2X or 3X the advertised 40 hours build time, saw that there was a looong way to go and gave up, as none of them had any experience doing so. To that end, the build quality is always suspect. The very same could be said of each and every "home restoration" of an older classic car (I've done a few of those, too).
However, if someone with good build skills or mechanical experience were to build one (and I have seen more than a few of those, too), took their time and made it look like somebody cared with the result, they could easily stand up to a VS car from that era and some were quite a bit better. I gave Henry Reisner a ride to the hotel from dinner at Carlisle one year and he was quite surprised to find that he was riding in a CMC. "It doesn't squeak or rattle!" he said. hmmmmm... Maybe I made a new convert there.
So I looked at Indian Bob's list and if he changed his (sorry, her) car to white it would be almost a twin to mine. I have a 2-liter, but not a 912 engine, but all the other stuff is in there, PLUS a super-reliable gas heater and TWO Blaze-Cut fire suppression systems (one each, heater and engine) plus a pair of super-comfy cabriolet seats so I know that it's worth $30K somewhere, should I decide to sell it, maybe even more! 
So, Damon: You have a few choices to make. Check out Theron's car. Ask for more info or more photos if you wish - I'm sure he would oblige.
Check out the CMC again, too. Check the rear vertical edge of the doors on both sides to see how the gaps look. The gap should not get wider towards the top, but if it does it is easily corrected (the info to do so is all on here).
Remember, in the end if you like the car it doesn't matter much what the rest of us think of it. You're the one who has to walk away happy because you like the car.
After all that and some negotiating, you'll have to decide on one car. Remember that if you go for a US car then there is the transport cost home and any tax/import implications to consider, and a little more fiddling with your government to get it registered, so balance that against the cost of the BC CMC.
Personally, I think you'll probably do well with either one.
Gordon
The Speedstah Guy from Bahsten(-ish)
Oh, and here's my lowly CMC:
CMC, FF, Speedsters are going up in price as are used VS, VMC, JPS and IM's. There are a few older and well used speedsters out there for under $15k but you're going to dish out some serious cash to make it safe, reliable and have eye appeal. Price out a mid range motor, trans, interior, top, bows tonneau and side curtains then add in body work and paint and you'll be north of toward $13k. A used but freshened up CMC or FF can easily bring mid to upper 20's. Used VS, JPS have now crossed into the $30's range.
Just my .02...The Speedster the photos look somewhat above adverage with about $1,000 in listed new items but has nothing that makes it stand out value wise, with that said I would put a retail value on the above speedster at $19k -$20k . What it does have going for it is the ability for an easy Canadian transfer of ownership.
DO... check out Theron's IM before you do consider others.
Gordon Nichols My Fiberfab/CMC Speedster doesn't squeak or rattle either. Mine was built by a car restoration company that bought unfinished Cobra Kits mostly and built them for resale. The owner picked my car up and had his crew built it is 2006 and parked it until I bought it in 2017. As you know I did have Special Edition Convert it to Subaru power but that didn't improve the original build quality it was very well done it but now much nicer. I had it out today and enjoyed the spring afternoon cruising in the country. I do love my Speedster!
Beautiful Speedster and show - roll bar too :~)
A Vancouver resident is way ahead to own an IM with roll up windows from a companry with 60 years of building cars. But choice is always in the buyers hands even for a lowly CMC with all the individual build variability that a CMC may have. It could be the best car after it is sorted.
@Jimmy V. Your car is awesome and the new jewel wheel is...real shiny.
Since this thread concerns CMC Cars which mine is in essence (Fiberfab), I thought I would post this fun pic of my car. Enjoy!
Don't know anything about this except it's within your budget $33.500, near Windsor ON
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classi...r-replica/1493238361
I think that's the guy I made Lexan Margard side curtains ( 8 years ago) from his templates he sent me
Would you make me a set Alan? They look very nice and functional.
Actually, the CMC seller made them out of Glass Jimmy and he says they are the cats meow... he made them 25 y. ago.
Call him up his number is on the ad.
Sure looks like the Lexan Margard S/C I made even has the right rubber but who knows for sure. …. I'll be making a set for Project #50 the first week of June and I'll take some photos .
@Jimmy V sent you a pm
Looking at the photos of that CMC I'd venture to say that it is better than the average CMC that you can find and that it looks sorted out except for the trunk that could benefit from a carpet and other touches to make it look more finished. The gauges are nice.
