Hello and thanks for your interest in our USA made

 356A replicas which we introduced in December 2002.

356A Speedster  - 356A Cabriolet  -  356A Coupe

Lisa wants to know........

1. Why are all world class racing and touring cars are mid-engine  ??.... ask these folks - Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Jaguar, Porsche Boxster, Pantera, Lotus, Formula 1, Indy, 904 GTS, etc the list is longer

2. Why did Porsche and VW quit making Air-cooled cars in 1998 ?

3. Why does no one but Porsche makes a rear engine car ? only the $175K computer controlled  AWD  911  

 Now you can experience true high performance driving enjoyment with our unique custom mid-engine chassis          water-cooled 356A replicas  

• State-of-the-art Subaru  170 hp 2.5L 4 cylinder, multi-port fuel    injected, overhead cam,

•  OBDII engine management controlled

•  water-cooled engine, mid-chassis mounted 

•  emissions compliant - see what EPA says          http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/kitcar.htm

•  Subaru 4-speed automatic overdrive - electronic shift control - floor shifter - transmission oil cooler.

• Optional 5-speed manual

Handling: Have you ever wondered why all world class race and road cars are mid-engine and not rear engine  ?

• Rear suspension -  custom independent utilizing triple lateral control arms,  adjustable coil-over shocks, and longitudinal trailing arms.

• Our unique mid-engine configuration provides approximately 45/55 weight distribution which translates into superior handling and braking.

 

• What does this mean in simple terms ?  Mid engine cars handle superbly and predictability - rear engine cars do not.

 

• Front suspension – A modern independent ball joint type utilizing unequal length custom tubular upper and lower control arms, adjustable coil-over gas shocks, rack and pinion steering.

 

• these are definitely not 40 year old parts or technology.

Braking: VW Speedsters have Drum brakes which cannot compare with disc brakes ..especially power assisted

4 wheel power assisted disc brakes,  11” ventilated front and 10.5” rear, 5-lug bolt pattern 

 

Structure:  Tubular structure means durability and safety

• Our exclusive custom designed structural tubular chassis  should not be confused with a beefed-up VW sub-frame found sandwiched between the VW pan and the fiberglass body with bolt-on VW components. (others incorrectly call that a structural tubular frame)

 

• (The obvious occupant protection of our true structural frame should not be taken as normal on VW Speedster replicas.)

Safety:  Should you expect less than this in your 356A replica .... or any car?

•    Occupants are surrounded by a welded diagonally braced structural tubular cage

•    steel reinforced doors - attached to welded frame structure

•    heavy gauge steel floor - protection from road debris hazards that fiberglass floors cannot provide

•    seat belts, hazard lights

•    frame protected gas fuel cell - forward mounted and nested (not over your lap like in  VW versions)

•    fuel cell and passenger compartment separated by a steel firewall.    

 

Comfort: You don't have to suffer to drive a sports car

• 4” wider interior which enjoys an original 356A floor pan not the narrower VW

•  abundant vacuum controlled hot water heat/defrost

•  high grade naugahyde interior

•  AM-FM-CD stereo (that you can actually hear)

•  increased foot well room  - wider and deeper

•  heat shielded and sound deadened floor.

Convenience: Your other cars have these features don't they ?

2 speed cable drive wiper system, windshield washer, interior courtesy lights, larger front trunk area, large rear trunk, dash mirror.

Appearance:  Are VW Speedster replicas really accurate in appearance ?    One should look closely at body shape and location,   wheelbase and track,  floor width and shape,   tunnel shape,  park brake handle location, wheel slots,  interior upholstery

• Accurate styling and proportions, correct 356A floor dimensions, soft top, top boot, tonneau cover, high quality base/clear coat paint (most any color), 356A Porsche “style” gauges, wood rim steering wheel, painted original style wide 5 wheels with chrome moon hubcaps. 

 

• Our 356A replicas were designed using the dimensional specifications of original 356A cars....... not a VW Beetle    All of our body parts were molded from original cars

WHAT CHOICES OF 356A REPLICAS DO I HAVE FROM

 Specialty Auto-sports, inc.?

 Turnkey cost for a standard equipped traditional style Speedster  starts at $27,700.00.

Standard features are shown at  http://www.specialtyauto.com/VW%20Speedster%20Comparison.htm

Turnkey cost for a standard equipped traditional style Cabriolet starts at $32,100.00  

1957 356A Coupe "Outlaw"

traditional body style also available

Turnkey cost for a standard equipped traditional style Coupe starts at $33,700.00

Flared fender Cabriolet                               Flared fender Speedster

The flared fender Speedster and Cabriolet costs slightly more, because of the wider track body, wider suspension, and the more aggressive tires and wheels typically desired.   

Base Costs:   see standard features below

• Standard Speedster    $27,700.00

• Standard Cabriolet      $32,100.00

• Standard Coupe            $33,700.00

Options:

1. Flare fender wide body  with 17” wheels/tires and 4" wider suspension  ($1400)

2. 230 HP  2.5L DOHC Turbo       ($6000) estimate based on model chosen

3. 5 speed manual transmission     ($950)

4. Servo-blended air conditioning-heat-defrost ($2100)   hot water heat-defrost is standard

5. cruise control         ($495) 

6. leather interior      ($1200)

7. luggage rack           ($400)

8. various 356 cosmetics - mirrors, badges, hubcaps, etc.

The design of our water-cooled 356A replicas emphasizes safety and performance as well as assembly efficiency; therefore, we presently estimate assembly time of approximately 12+ months depending upon model selected, features, and pre-existing workload.  We do not sacrifice quality, safety, reliability for speed of manufacture.  Each car is carefully assembled and test driven at least 350 miles before being released.