Say I wanted a Porsche 356 replica...

...what would I do? I've always loved those things and am curious to know more about them. I'm okay with a replica (just like I'd be okay with a Cobra replica), knowing that real copies are well outside my price range.

Is there a used market for these replicas? If so, any suggestions on where to look?

Just did a Jaxed.com search for Porsche 356---over half are replicas, starting at super cheap.

IDK, but there's one of these running around my neck of the woods:

It stops me in my tracks every time I see it.

Per Schroeder wrote: Just did a Jaxed.com search for Porsche 356---over half are replicas, starting at super cheap.

That's a new site for me. Very cool! Thanks for the link.

I saw a Beck Speedster up close a few years back and it looked really well done. They used to be mid-20k or so.

I've seen a few references to Champion Motorcars in Madison, Alabama as a kit maker. One of those references was the GRM article about transforming a Miata into a Locost over a weekend with the help of CMC. But it seems like the company no longer exists. Do any of the GRM folks know what happened to them?

out of business.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: I saw a Beck Speedster up close a few years back and it looked really well done. They used to be mid-20k or so.

Beck Speedster (or equivalent) will be my retirement project.

You want a speedster replica? Cause my cousins in law have one for sale and it's in nice shape. Contact me if you're interested...

docwyte wrote: You want a speedster replica? Cause my cousins in law have one for sale and it's in nice shape. Contact me if you're interested...

I'm interested!

Anybody ever driven either a 356 or a 550 spyder replica? What were they like?

Yeah, a Beck 550 is on my wish list. Just can't decide between a built ACVW or Subie powerplant.

I'm a traditionalist. Make mine air-cooled VW, please.

There is/was? a 356 Speedster replica for sale this past week on an area (Jacksonville-Gainesville-St. Augustine, Fl.) Craigslist. From the pictures and description the current owner got sidetracked at some point during the building process and is selling because he feels/knows he will never get time to complete. Biggest minus in the ad was a need for new floor pans that I believe were included in sale along with nearly all parts to complete the car.

It's another case of "if I only had a place to work on this, it would be mine".

There was one at my buddy's garage over the weekend, needed a new tranny mount. Tube frame, some things I would change about it but I would certainly keep the 2.0 liter engine with big Webers.

I only saw the car from underneath and didn't think to ask who made it, but the owner paid ~$20,000 for it.

Dan

This was the local listing I stumbled across that got me all hot and bothered. Unfortunately, the seller(s) has now listed it on ebay and I fear the price is going to spiral beyond my interest level.

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/2498535915.html

We have a Barn Find CMC WideBody Porsche Replica that has been sitting for over 12 years in a Garage and needs to go to someone who wants Great Project.. This car has everything you need to get it running and be ready to enjoy in a very short time, which we do not have. The body is in excellant condition, the floor pans need to be replaced, but we have those sitting in the car ready to be bolted or welded in, your choice. It has the total interior, top and rare side windows. It has a 1969 VW 1600DP motor with twin Dellorto carbs, tuck away custom exhaust, all the metal tins and it turns over freely. The tires will need to be changed (dry rot), the brakes need to be done over, the gas tank will need to be flushed and then its just a matter of buffing the body and cleaning the interior and you will be ready to cruise. Make me an offer? Not interested in trades, just good hard CASH!.

this one is local to me. looks real nice and seems like a great price. http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/2450412001.html

http://www.intermeccanica.com/

Vancouver BC.

Cotton wrote: this one is local to me. looks real nice and seems like a great price. http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/2450412001.html

That does seem like a great deal! I wonder what kit that is.

Good Lord, they're everywhere!

I wanted a Porsche 356 replica.

I said it, nothing happened. Still waiting.

But if I did want one, my first stop would be DMV to see what's involved in registering one, then an insurance broker. Some states it's easy, some, a nightmare, to near impossible. I'd do a little homework on those fronts first.

I love the 356 bodies with modern (or at least more modern) 911 drivetrains underneath.

pinchvalve wrote: I love the 356 bodies with modern (or at least more modern) 911 drivetrains underneath.

This. Although a hotted up 4 cylinder (no turbos, must hear that engine wail!!) wouldn't be bad, might even make for better balance with its lighter weight. The 356B I drove a long time ago felt like a refined mid 70s stock bug, and about as quick.

If it were me, I'd go the 550 route, IMHO, much better looking body, and probably a bit lighter, too.

Unfinsished 550 Spyder kit (not a Beck):

Porsche 550 Spyder Kit - $15000 (Harwinton, CT) Date: 2011-07-05, 11:47PM EDT Reply to: sale-zdr7x-2479262123@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?] Thunder Ranch 550 Spyder Kit Complete kit with many upgraded reproduction parts. New freeway flyer transaxle w/ HD side plates and super diff. Over $20K in kit and parts. Only need paint and a motor to complete. Email me for more photos and a complete parts list. Serious buyers only. $15,000 or best offer. If you know anything about these cars, then you know this a great deal.

Location: Harwinton, CT

dyintorace, drop me an email and I'll hook you up with my cousin in law.