1957 Porsche 356 Replica

Description

Looking for a way to experience the Porsche Speedster legacy without spending six figures? Take a good look at this 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster replica that has been beautifully assembled and finished, and is available for a fraction of the price of a real one. Best of all, it delivers the same visceral experience, the same sounds, the same taut handling as an original, without the worries that come with actually driving a modern masterpiece.

Built by Vintage Speedsters, and with just over 850 miles since it was completed, this car accurately replicates the timeless Speedster shape. Formed in lightweight fiberglass instead of steel, it is instantly recognizable with those curvaceous fenders and chopped down windscreen. The finish work on the body is exceptionally nice, with good panel gaps and no waves in the fiberglass, and there's something to be said for the white paint that will stand out in a sea of bright red and slick silver Speedsters. It's also surprisingly complete, with front and rear bumpers that have been color-matched to the body, stainless side trim, accurate Speedster badges, and even a period-correct luggage rack on the rear deck. Other details that will delight you include the very stylish side mirror which is like a piece of modern sculpture, and the rally-inspired protective cages over the headlights. This one even carries a replica of the original Reutter badge affixed to real Speedsters, making the illusion very compelling.

Blue vinyl buckets and a painted dash take you back to the early days of sports cars with its back-to-basics attitude. The seats are comfortable . The banjo-style steering wheel is very authentic. Three round gauges face the driver, with the tachometer in the center, as has been Porsche tradition since the earliest days. Anyone who has driven a vintage 356 or even a later 911 will recognize the faces.The shifter feels good There is an upholstered package shelf behind the seats, and the top stows neatly under a matching vinyl top boot. The front-mounted trunk is finished with matching blue carpets, which is probably not authentic, but it makes this fabricated car seem much more finished than most.

Hanging out behind the rear wheels is a 1600cc dual port VW flat four, which is a close relative of the engines that powered the original Speedsters. Thanks to a robust aftermarket, it can be made to perform as well as or even better than the original motors, and you won't worry about damaging a $20,000 Porsche engine when you take this one out for some fun. It's fed by a pair of 40mm carburetors and an electric fuel pump, and a big 60 amp alternator is probably overkill for the basic systems aboard this little car. It spins a 4-speed manual transmission, just like the original, and the shift linkage is light and reasonably precise, which is actually very authentic. It's solid underneath with none of the usual VW issues, and has clearly been built to drive with undercoated surfaces and rugged mechanicals throughout. For additional confidence in the turns, this Speedster also sports front disc brakes. Wheels are chrome-plated steel discs with hubcaps wearing 195/55/15 Hankook radials.

One drive in this Speedster and you'll be convinced, that lightweight cars are a lot of fun to drive. Call today!