The SAW/SAS Tubaru Queue

Out of curiosity, I thought it might be interesting to start a thread and see if we can assemble a bit of a view in to the pending queue for the Specialty Auto Subaru based cabriolets and coupes.

I've been surprised by the continuing emergence of people identifying themselves as being in the queue. There definitely seem to be a lot of orders on the books and with the recent extensive discussion and resulting wager made by former SAS owner Steve O, regarding the "realistic" timeline, it should make for interesting reading.

If you've got a car in queue, let us know whether it is a cabriolet, coupe or speedster, when you ordered it and when you currently expect to receive it.

I can think of a half a dozen off the top of my head when I add in Charles creme brule coupe.

-Jeff

Who is Specialty Auto Subaru?

Let me make this easy....well at least give it a good start.

Steve Pritchard
John Legate
David Hunicutt
Gonzo De Villa
Dan Walsh
Scott Teele
Charles Gardner
Ed Santana
Nolan Scott
Paul Robbins
Bod Rosendale

Car's Built

John (red cab)
Stuart (silver speedster)
Mine (black Cab)
Bill Re (silver Cab)
Rob (dark green Cab)
Mike (silver car)
Mike Guthrie (Black Cab)
Randy Aldrich (red Cab)

After several years of tracking, I have come to the conclusion that one car is completed about every 3-4 months. With the current Que, that I know of, which doesn't mean there aren't more out there, your easily looking at a 3 year wait.

Well, I'm in there somewhere. Maybe you can sort out where I should be in that queue. I gave Steve my deposit on June 1, 2007. I'm 71, been waiting for 50 years for a 356 and hope I don't have to wait 50 more.

I know there are some out there that I don't know about. I fear how many????

Prior to any of my progress payments I have made a trip to Steve's shop. My last trip I saw Michael Guthrie's Turbo in its final stages of completion (Black Beauty thread)
Paul Robbins', Steven Prichard's, and Ed Santana's cars labeled and in various stages of construction.
I believe Nolan Scott's car is currently being painted
Charles Gardner's coupe is in her final stages as some of you may have witnessed the mysterious lack of moisture inside the passenger compartment at Carlisle
Gonzo deVilla's car was on offer to be brokered, not sure where that stands...

..and then me???
2.5 Turbo Flared Cabriolet
June 06- 2 years this month, and still enthusiastic and optimistic. For the money and practicality purpose, Steve L builds the kind of car that will best suit my needs- Hands Down.

I'm still somewhere in the mix too. I put my money down for a wide body turbo cabriolet in March of 2006. I tried to sell my place, but no takers. I hope he finds a way to start pumping these cars out a little quicker without compromising quality.

Wait! Nolan doesn't have his car yet?


wow.

Well that is 13....I don't think I have much to worry about on my bet. He would have to pump one out every month. Not a chance. Hell I could be tempted to make the one year bet a two year bet?

But..... Bob had a long talk with Steve. That's got to count for something.....

Steve, I'm with you, I think your bet is a safe one at this point.

I'm a bit frustrated, I've been saving for four years and could now afford one but I'm not willing to wait another three or more years. So many great cars out there, including some amazing new American cars (now there is something I never thought I'd say). (G8, CTS-V etc).

I wish SAW would license out all their great engineering and someone with expertise in scaling up a shop would pick it up under license.

-Jeff

Jeff, check with Carey Hines at Special Edition. They're doing some water-cooled cars now, and they have a Convertible D coming out that'll have roll-up windows.

Lane,

That sounds promising. I followed with some enthusiasm the thread about the BMW/Mini/Chrysler engined car they were working on, but sounded the alarm when the factory was slated to close or lose a big customer. Unfortunately that ultimately put an end to that driveline option.

What is the expected power plant in the latest incarnation?

-Jeff

They had a rear-engined, water-cooled car at Carlisle with an Audi/VW 1.8 in it. I think that you could get them to do that right now, but I also believe that they are continuing development on the mid-engined version utilizing the Audi/VW drive train. Chime in here Carey, if I have some of the facts wrong. Give Carey a call.

I did not realize theat Carey was doing the convertable D. I thought he was only doing the limited production C based super 90. If that's the case the he going to give IM a run for their money.

You have it right, Lane. Although there have been rumors of Chevy picking up the Tritec factory for use in their sub compact cars in Brazil, which would certainly re-spark my interest in that project. Currently it is all being retooled around the newer VW/Audi stuff mid engine. Rear engine watercooled is currently available (and proving to be rather popular).

The D is well in the works. Has been for quite some time. We decided to fabricate almost all of the components in house, rather than outsource, so it is taking longer than I'd like, but moving forward nonetheless.

Carey,

Please tell us about the VW engine, how many HP is the 1.8L and what size engine does it compare to in the air cooled line?