SAS Questions

Newbie here and looks like SAS is the way to go for the creme brulee speedster I am looking for and I am not in a rush. Question, how much do you have to put down to order?

Also I live in NY and was thinking about going to Carlisle in a few weeks.

You absolutely, without question, need to go to Carlisle before you make a move on ANY replica, Speedster, coupe ... whatever.
If it has a fiberglass body and looks like an old Porsche, the people who make them and the owners who build or buy them will be there in droves.
Have a look at the thread about "So you think you're ready ..." at the top of most of these topics, and you'll read some really well-considered words about this hobby.
Welcome to the Madness!

i talked with SAS when i was in your position and it was about a 3year wait, but the kicker is you have to make progress payments along the way. its pretty much paid for if delivery ever comes to fruition. kind of like the bernie madoff way of business. get something else and enjoy 3 years of driving.

Bob- A 3-year wait? True?

yes its true. the economy was HOT and everyone was buying everything a few years back. id like to know what the wait is now. im sure there are some on this site still waiting.

I've learned to be patient but 3 years, or 2, is pushing it; after 6-8 months, I'd be getting "ants in my pants" - that's what I tell my 8-y/o granddaughter when she get bored and wants a "new" adventure.

Thank you. See I am already learning. I think the max I would wait would be 1 year so guess SAS is not an option.

Its funny the first company that I saw (as an outsider) was Automotive Legends (think they ran a special with Jay Leno on TLC) but I have not seen them mentioned in these forums.

I would also be happy with a used one as long as it was the color scheme I wanted and I would like it to be able to move 0-60 in the 5.xx range. And I know I want a speedster.

Also while I love adding all the options I think once it gets well into the mid $30ks its not worth it to me for what I would use it for (spring\summer month driving on nice days with short trips).

So what other vendors should I be looking at? I would like to have as many educated questions in my head before the trip to Carlisle.

Thanks again

AUTOMOTIVE LEGENDS---whoa, hold on. You need to do a search right here in this site for some info on this outfit.

The advice about getting to Carlisle this year(5/15-5/17) is good solid info and anyone thinking about spending money for something as expensive as a car---and one that has never been rated in Consumet Reports should definitely come to see products from all the makers at Carlisle. Many of the manufacturers have displays and reps at booths and the ones that dont, well you can see these cars among the scores of Speedsters attending the show and parked en masse in a special area.

For many years I wanted a Speedster replica but never did get to the point of getting serious and pulling the plug. In fact I almost bought one of the 4 speedsters made for the movie, "Doc Hollywood"--it was in Texas, dead of winter, no top etc so I passed. Later I found my car and purely lucked out that I got something I am super happy with but looking back it was dumb luck. I am sure I would have bought this same car even had I done the smart thing and researched it like you are now doing.

Definitely--come to Carlisle and see what you think plus many folks will be happy to give you a ride in their cars and honestly answer any questions.

Good luck whatever you decide.---Jack

Ed, the smartest thing you could do, if you can, is make the pilgrimage to Carlisle. You will see just about everything there. Also, come with an open mind. You know what you like and nobody else can tell you what will suit your specific needs. Be especially wary of anybody who offers advice too freely; that person may or may or may not know what they are talking about. Take a good look at the full spectrum of options that are out there and then make an informed decision. I look forward to meeting you.
Hoss

My advice? Give Henry at Intermeccanica a call, then talk to him at Carlisle. You'll be glad you did.

Thanks that is what I will do. In general how much does an IM speedster go for? I did not see order forms or pricing on their site.

i dont think you can buy an IM in the mid thirties, ifn so it would be a stripper model.

I believe the base price for IMs is now in the $40k range.

Regardless of the current price for an IM and rather than get second hand info (for ANY manufacturer), come to Carlisle. There will be representatives of IM and Beck there, and examples (with owners) of CMC, VS, SAS, JPS and maybe a Thunder Ranch, although those tend to be more West Coast examples.

Henry Reisner, from IM, and Carey Hines, from Special Edition/Beck will both be at the show, and at most of our evening dinner cruises. Anyone will be happy to talk with you about their cars, and you can probably score rides in whichever cars you wish.

gn

Ed-re: the SAS "wait". In fairness, the wait may not be as long now and SAS has an interesting drive-train configuration. You really need to get to Carlisle, talk to the builders and, most importantly, talk to these owners. Tell the builders about your personal preferences and customization options. I think you'll have a great experience, especially having all the respected "players" under one tent.

Ed, go to Carlisle. Everyone is right on this aspect. An example of almost every make will be there - and there are differences, especially if you have an atypical body size/shape. (I'm 6' 5" and knew that certain configurations wouldn't work...) The guys let you sit in them, give you rides, some let you drive..... Plus, you'll be able to talk to some of the makers who are able to customize and option to your specific needs.
Best regards,
Cal

Thank you. I will probably make it a same day trip there\back to Carlisle. Is their one day to go that is better then the other? Saturday? And where do I go when I get there if I am only interested in seeing 356's?

Thanks
-Ed

Saturday would be the best day, weather permitting. A lot of us will be cruising to the AACA Antique Car Museum on Friday, and many of us have to leave fairly early on Sunday. Look forward to seeing you there.

If you're looking to buy an intermeccanica, you might want to look at original speedsters, as the price might be very close.

I was going to comment on the number of experts on builders here in SOC but decided not to start another "My dog is bigger than your dog" string.

Ed, Plan on a long day at Carlisle, to do so is is an investemnt as well as insurance in getting the right information that will help in making the right choice based on your wants, wishes and pockets. A number of us can walk you through the different Mfg's speedsters and do so w/o bias. You can ask for me (or others) around the speedster tent just behind the large red building, ~Alan

Nolan-I personally would love to hear any feedback on your SAS, especially the front/rear weight ratio as it translates to handling. (Is a mid-engine Subie, correct?)
Thanks, Scott

Scott; I really don't know the weight ratio, but it must be close to 45/55 or there abouts. I know it hugs the road at well over 100mph with no light feeling or wheel float. It corners like it's on rails with no over or understeer although there are a lot of turns on the steering box. I can't comment on any other builders and can only form an opinion from owners of the other cars. SAS is a well built solid car that fills my every need. Power (170hp) ease of driving (automatic 4 speed with cruise control) water tight top and power windows. A/C that I have yet to use, a heater which I did coming back from Tennessee in December and the ego trip I get when people ask me about it. I hope you can make it to Carlisle and check out the different cars and builders, what ever your choice I'm sure you will have as much a blast with as I do. The only draw back with SAS is the time it takes for your car to hit the build stage, the queue can be quite long, in my case 3 and half years, but I understand Steve is making more headway in cutting that time down.

Thanks Nolan- I don't currently have a ride as family is rightfully taking priority. I won't make Carlisle myself but am hoping someday. The SAS drive-train with Subaru is quite inviting. If speed and handling is your game, hard to beat your set-up. There are guys out here in California that are getting staggering HP numbers in their Subie desert racers. A "new-tech" engine (in the MODEST 200-250 HP range) in a old-school Speedster body would be a scrumptious thing.
Thanks for the feedback.
Scott
Just for some "yucks"-
http://www.outfrontmotorsports.com/homepage.htm (click "motors", lower left)
ref: http://www.speedindustry.biz/porsche.html
ref: http://www.renegadehybrids.com/

Apparently, you can't walk down the street without stubbing your toe on a perfect, $40K original speedster. You know- the kind you can get for the price of a new Intermeccanica. You may as well start your search there. Let me know when you come across one.

When will this nonsense end?

Scott: Your second link is about the first Turbo SAS car. There were lot of teething issues at first but everything is sorted out now. BTW, that's the car and owner, Rob, that the Heart Warming story was about.

What'ya think about Outfrontmotorsports site? And the 2nd link was for the final results and build-list, not trying to dwell on the teething issues. Stuff happens! I still think there's a lot of potential with the Subie! Enjoy.
PS: and years ago I had an acquaintance with the RenegadeHybrid 914/SB Chevy conversion. Absolutely squirrely fast (like the old NHRA AA-Altereds)

Good site, I bookmarked it, Subaru engines basically are what VW's Wasserbox should have evolved into. Then there would have been a more easy to work on and modify modern engine that could meet emission requirements. I never mentioned that SAS cars meet all emission standards and have catalytic converted installed.

I use Outfront (formerly Outback) for all of our Subaru powered cars. I have always had GREAT service and quality from them!

Hines-Subies exclusive to the Spyders? Do Subie/Speedsters too?

Yes, we do both speedster and spyder with the Suby powerplant.

Carey - are your speedsters back motor or mid engine like SAS?
If back motor are there fitment issues (length, width)?

Speedster and 356C are rear engine , spyder is mid engine.
The mid engine speedster and convertible D have not been released yet and are still in R&D... albeit progressing VERY slowly. No plans for a mid engine 356C, although it uses the same chassis as the speedster, so it isn't out of the realm of possibility.
No fitment issues in the speedster. In the spyder, the engine is 3/8" too long, but that is easily overcome.

What...You use a Big Mutha Fiberglass hammer??

Ed: I definitely can recommend SAS. I have a Creme 356 Cabriolet in progress there and I did a lot of homework before deciding on SAS.
The cost is reasonable, the quality is remarkable and their experience is very impressive. Steve really knows what he is doing. The car is set-up as a mid-engine layout and the demo I drove (Nolan's car) handled beautiful and looked great. I was hooked right away. I suggest you at least contact Steve regarding delivery. You might be surprised. But, good things sometimes take a little time.

Ed, If you still want an SAS car and don't want to wait, there was one guy named Gonzo that was selling his, which was scheduled for completion this summer. Steve Lawing can clue you in on build details and give you Gonzo's address.

Thanks, SAS does hold my interest. I taked to Steve via email and he said 12+ months...my only concern is what the "+" means.

I plan to come to Carlisle. Who should I come speak to? How do I know who owns the SAS's...sorry I am a newbie and not sure what to expect when I get there.

John Hallstrand (aka Hoss) has the red Cabrio that was the firs one sold. It's on Steve's website in several places. John's one of the best people to talk to, but Nolan Scott will also have his there, as will Rob (whose last name escapes me) with the green turbo rocket.

Ed:

The best day to catch everyone will be Saturday, although if you can make it to our dinners on Friday or Saturday we can probably give you a ride and answer lots of questions - just let me know if you'll make the dinners (either or both) and I'll bump the headcount, but I must know by Sunday Night. If you can make the dinners, be at the Hotel Carlisle front driveway by 5pm either day to see everyone and catch a ride to dinner. I'll email you with my cell phone number so you can find us.

Get into the show field at Carlisle and find your way past the big Grandstand and on towards the pavilion buildings at the back of the field. We'll be near parking slot 200.

Just before the last building look a little left onto the field and find the tent with the banners that say: "Speedsters Meet Spyders" (you can't miss them, but they won't be up until mid-afternoon on Friday).

Come on over and ask for John Hallstrand, Rob Young or Lane Anderson or Gordon Nichols (me) or, really, ask anyone in the tent to see an SAS car or help you find John.

Hope to see you there.

Gordon
Organizer of Speedsters Meet Spyders at Carlisle 2009