Detail Info for: Porsche : 356 Speedster 1956 Porsche Speedster

Transaction Info

Sold On:
07/23/2011
Price:
$ 14000.00
Condition:
Mileage:
38143
Location:
Rancho Cucamonga, California,
Seller Type:
Private seller

Vehicle Specification

Year Make Model:
1956 Porsche 356
Submodel Body Type:
Speedster Convertible
Engine:
4 - Cyl.
Transmission:
Manual
VIN:
1142088763
Vehicle Title:
Drive Train:
Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard Equipment:
Optional Equipment:

Vehicle Detail

Please see the link to the you tube video as I walk you around the car, start it cold, and drive on the freeway. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SED9VC9590 or search "davids porsche speedster" Here is my link to more pictures: http://profile.imageshack.us/user/kemper7295/ 1956 Porsche Speedster replica by Intermeccanica Coach Builders www.intermeccanica.com This car was built about 10 years ago and I've owned it about a year, I believe I'm the 3rd owner. The odometer shows 38,143 miles which I believe is how many miles are on this build. The car is built on 1972 pan that looks like it was stripped and painted at the time it was built. There is no rust damage, but the paint on the bottom side of the pan has flaked off and surface rust has begun. It also looks like the brackets that mount the body where never painted so they also have a coating of rust, but are very solid. Car has a 4spd which shifts nice through all gears. There is no grinding during up or down shifts. Motor is a 1600 dual port, single carb, which runs good, is great on gas and cruises easily at 70-75mph. The valves have just been adjusted, and the fuel pump, cap, rotor, and distributor are new. Even on the hottest days it doesn't overheat even after a long drive. Sealing up the air gaps in the engine compartment would make it run even cooler. Don't be fooled thinking you need a bigger motor, or dual carbs (constant tuning)....its not necessary. This is a fiberglass kit car (How fast do you really need to go?) The real wooden Nardi steering wheel offers a firm grip. All lights work on the car. The tail lights, head lights, all 4 turn signals, and the license plate light. The gauges are also back lit and the headlight, turn signal indicator, and oil temp light also all work. Speaking of the gauges, they are Porsche from an early 911 and all work perfectly, including the gas gauge, oil temperature and tachometer. I have checked the speedometer on GPS and it is accurate. The odometer and trip odometer also work. The 2 speed windshield wipers work, as does the cigarette lighter (handy for cell/ipod charging) The Sony CD player has a detachable face, and has an aux mp3/ipod input. Both seats are on sliders and slide easily. The correct style seatbelts are brand new. The car has a clear title, is registered as a special construction, that is how Intermeccanica did all thier cars. I know some people prefer to have them registerd as VWs, but special construction is actually how it is suppossed to be done. It is smog exempt and does not require smog/emissions check here in California (the strictest air standards in the country). It is currently registered and insured in my name. I simply had to pay the fees at the DMV, and walked out. It has an aluminum i.d. plate in the door jamb that has CA state BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) number on the car. These numbers are issued during the initial inspection after it was built. It is smog exempt. However, I do have all smog equipment that was on the car when it was new. (air cleaner, smog pump, carb baffle etc.), I will include these items with the car. When people ask what is the worst thing about the car, 3 things stick out in my mind. 1) The top. Under the new tonneau cover is the original top which is weathered and has shrunk up from our brutal California sun. At this point it looks to be about 2 inches short. I tried to put it up once, but that was it. It may be able to be latched on a very hot day but I doubt it. If someone wanted a functional top, then the top material should be replaced. The low bow frame, and all latches, and front windshield frame cap are all there. The original upholstery supplier for Intermeccanica is Autos International, in Escondido, CA. www.autosintl.com At last check the new top material is $540. Honestly, I have never driven this car and wished I had a top. If I had, I would have already replaced it. When I drive the car, it is with the top down, even when parked. Otherwise, it's in the garage. 2) The radio. Although it works and sounds great, there are times (especially at night when the headlights are on), that it shuts off and comes right back on. It seems to do this during city driving as the voltage goes up and down, at stops, when braking etc. It can be annoying. However, when driving on the freeway and the revs (voltage) are up, it never does this. I suspect it to be a simple fix, but haven't bothered with it. 3) The body. Being that the car was never painted or prepped for paint there are some small imperfections here and there. Although the gel coat has a nice shine and waxes up nicely, there are a couple of small chips/spider cracks that would easily be fixed if ever painted. The deck lid looks like it has been painted topside only, probably due to some body work. If you look closely, you can tell. On the freeway, I would say this car looks like a 10, from 10feet away it appears as a 9, and up close a 7. I just haven't been able to justify making it perfect. I don't think I would have any more fun, and I would be twice as worried about someone scratching it. On that note, I urge a prospective buyer to not get caught up in having that perfect speedster, in the perfect color combo, with the biggest motor, and disc brakes, and on and on. YOU DON'T NEED IT! Even if you are unlike most of us and have unlimited resources, I guarantee, you will have just as much fun in this car as you would in a $25k-$35k speedster. My theory the whole time I have owned this car, was to enjoy it for what it is. It is a replica, not a $200k ultra rare speedster. I mostly like that this car has an original look to it. It doesn't look "plastic" or fake. It isn't cherry red, it doesn't have custom wheels or flared wheel wells, it doesn't sound like a hot rod, and it has original Porsche emblems and trim. It looks like a nicely preserved 55 year old car. If you are wondering why I am selling, I need the space, I have had my fun, and mainly I could use the money. Otherwise I would keep it forever. Nothing clears your mind like a drive in this car. Overall, this car is solid, runs great, and is very reliable. I live about 50 miles from the beach and drive it down there all the time. I wouldn't hesitate to drive this car anywhere. The absolute most fun you can have in a car for this price. I get looks, thumbs up and questions EVERY time I drive it, not sometimes, EVERY time. I have had a near new Porsche 911 Carrera cabriolet before, and other than that car being faster, this car is just as much fun. It's funny how people ignore newer Porsches/BMWs/Mercedes and gather around this car. $200k worth of fun, for the price of a Hyundai. No surprises here. Remember, all the speedsters you see are kit cars. Shopping for a speedster is not like shopping for a 1995 Honda civic. You can assume all 1995 honda civics to be of the same quality, built the same time and may have slightly varying condition. But speedsters are ALL different, built at different times, built different ways, with varying workmanship and materials. You must go look and drive them. I've seen cars that are rusty, built on pans that weren't refreshed, doors that pop open over RR tracks, wiring nightmares, cheap reproduction parts(mirrors, emblems, grills etc.) etc. If you see one for $10k, trust me, there is a reason, and if you see one for $25k, trust me, there is a reason. I believe my car falls somewhere in the middle due to my description. I will respond to emails and post important answers to questions, feel free to call or text as well 909-938-5460 Dave

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