Exceptional replica by Vintage Speedsters. Under 1000 miles. Many upgrades including 2332 cc engine, 3.88 transaxle, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a powerful hidden entertainment system. Full weather equipment included.
Built by Vintage Speedsters with just about every serious upgrade they could install, it’s a highly accurate reproduction of the Porsche icon, right down to the code 5603 Graphite Metallic paint. They took no liberties with the Porsche’s simple shape, save for crafting it from fiberglass, but without rapping your knuckles on the fender, you’d never know. Fit and finish are excellent throughout, with even panel gaps and doors that really feel substantial when you slam them—this isn’t a cheap knock-off in any way, shape, or form. Emblems, including the “Speedster” call-outs on the front fenders, are quite accurately rendered in gold, which is how they came from the Porsche factory. And while there’s a “1600 Super” emblem on the tail, we’re happy to say that this particular Speedster is considerably more capable than anything Porsche was building in 1958. With just under 1000 miles on the clock, this replica remains in virtually new condition in every single way.
As lovely as the Graphite paint is, the stunning burgundy leather interior is why it looks so dramatic. The leather is supple and expensive to the touch, and the same stuff is used on the door panels, dashboard, shifter boot, and even a little pad behind the seats that isn’t quite a seat, but is a neatly finished parcel shelf. A big white banjo-style steering wheel is another nod to ‘50s sensibilities and the big, round gauges are accurate reproductions of the originals. This car is also equipped with an optional and very expensive JVC entertainment system that is hidden completely out of sight behind the dash, with a remote control for access, big speakers, and an iPod/USB connection so you can bring your technology with you. For a small car, there’s massive leg room, so drivers of just about any size can get comfortable behind the wheel, something that can’t be said of most other sports cars. This car also includes full weather gear, including a black canvas top with side curtains, a top boot, and a full tonneau for the ultimate in roadster experiences.
We mentioned that this is considerably more potent than the original 1600 cc flat-four, and that’s because it’s the “big block” of air-cooled VW engines: a 2332 cc unit that cranks out an estimated 160 horsepower. As a result, performance is hugely impressive, and not just by old car standards. Yes, it still has that amazing handling which means you don’t necessarily have to lift in corners, but have you ever driven a Speedster that could spin its tires in second gear? There’s huge torque available at any speed and the gutsy VW engine takes on a hard edge as you run it through the revs. Thanks to dual carburetors, it’s got plenty of wind and never seems to get tired, and the usual VW soundtrack is very much disguised by a robust set of pipes and twin outlets that really let it sing.
The 4-speed manual gearbox has well-chosen gears (it’s an optional setup that uses a 3.88 final drive for better performance) and with all that torque and minimal curb weight, shifting is kind of optional for anything but a dead stop. It’s based on a Beetle floor pan, of course, but it’s been fully restored and reinforced with the fiberglass body built around it, so it’s incredibly rigid. There’s no rust or rot, obviously, and the car has been equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes that are an upgrade to the usual Vintage Speedsters spec. The wheels are factory-style chrome steel wheels with reproduction Porsche hubcaps, but a set of smooth baby moon hubcaps are included if you’d like a slightly different look. And those beefy 185/65/15 Pirelli radials give you the kind of grip that early Speedster drivers could only dream of.
Complete with purchase and build paperwork, this is a like-new Speedster available at a notable discount versus buying new, and all the upgrades are included for free. If you like the look, the performance, and the iconic status, this Speedster is a fantastic choice. And don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone it’s not real. Go have fun!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
