1957 Porsche 356A Speedster Barn Find Replica
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1957
- Make: Porsche
- Model: Speedster Replca
- VIN: TNV1N972815055058
- Mileage: 955
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Registration
- Color: Ivory
- Seller: drivenmanmotors
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Cookeville, TN 38506
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0011791
Up for auction is this 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster replica. Manufactured as a Classic Speedster by Classic Motor Carriages of Miami, Florida, this 356 replica was eventually acquired by a previous owner who invested a tremendous amount of time and effort to create a faithful representation of a Porsche Speedster barn find. Iron oxide paste was applied throughout the exterior to create a rust patina and many period-style accessories were added including an OE luggage rack, OE bumper overriders, fog lamps, rally stopwatches, and antique license plates. It comes equipped with an air-cooled Volkswagen flat-four engine, a 4-speed manual transmission, sway bars, and EMPI four-wheel disc brakes hidden behind machined aluminum replica drum brake covers. This unique custom Speedster replica is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Tennessee.
The fiberglass bodywork is finished in Ivory and has been given a custom weathered finished using iron oxide paste to simulate years of rust accumulation. The exterior brightwork exhibits matching patina along with the wheels, license plates, and leather suitcase mounted on the luggage rack. Other details include a tan canvas convertible top with matching side curtains, a black canvas tonneau cover, OE rear bumper overriders, antique German and California license plates, front fog lights, dual mirrors, vintage Mobil Pegasus graphics, Reuter tag on the front fender, genuine OEM Porsche torsion bar covers, and genuine OE windshield washer nozzles. The 15” Speedster steel wheels come dressed in classic 185 whitewall tires.
Inside, you will find a brown leatherette interior with matching brown carpets and a wood-rimmed 3-spoke steering wheel. The painted dashboard features a rust patina to match the exterior as well as dual rally stopwatches and 356-style instrument dials with green markings. The genuine 356 analog clock, temperature gauge, and hand-pump fire extinguisher are reported to be nonfunctional, while the headlights, turn signals, dual-tone air horns, and brake lights are all said to be working properly. A tear is depicted on the driver’s seat and the carpet is described to show general signs of age.
Power is derived from what is believed to be a mid-1970s air-cooled Volkswagen flat-four engine with single port heads and a two-barrel Weber carburetor. The 4-speed manual transmission is reported to shift well and cruise comfortably at 70 MPH. Sway bars are equipped, and stopping power is handled by EMPI four-wheel disc brakes hidden behind replica drum brake covers. The seller reports an undiagnosed mechanical noise coming from the engine, a video of the car starting and driving is provided below.
This sale will include canvas trimmed removable side windows, a Bilstein jack, a replica 356 toolkit, an Alabama registration, and a bill of sale. Whether you're in search of a project car or a visceral and nostalgic weekend driver, this custom Speedster barn find replica makes an excellent choice.
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $16,000
- Auction End: Aug 12, 2021 07:26:54PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 24
Comments (70)
kudos to a responsive seller
Bid in the amount of $16,000
Bid in the amount of $15,269
Bid in the amount of $14,500
Bid in the amount of $14,221
Bid in the amount of $13,969
Bid in the amount of $13,000
Bid in the amount of $12,519
Bid in the amount of $12,269
Bid in the amount of $12,000
Bid in the amount of $7,875
@croy56 I would not expect it to be a problem anywhere once there is a title. You would have a Porsche replica and the VIN number is on the tag. The VIN would have been registered in other states over the life of the car.
@drivenmanmotors Thank you for checking on all this. Maybe a gamble in a few states which could create a problem down the road, especially reselling at some time.
I just spoke with the local DMV and they say since I am a dealer and this car was previously registered in Tennessee they can issue a title without me having to register the vehicle and pay taxes!
To answer other questions. Currently the vehicle has an Alabama registration only. The registration refers to the vehicle as a 1957 Porsche. It is registered in Alabama under the Tennessee assigned VIN number. Apparently years ago the car was in Tennessee. I'm guessing it was built in Tennessee. There is no visible Volkswagen serial number stamped between the seats. I lifted the panel in the carpet but no number is visible. This car is the Tennessee VIN number
@drivenmanmotors I was thinking of bidding but if it’s a new build I know for fact California will want a current smog. If it’s titled prior to 1974 then you’ll be ok , California is crazy hard to pass smog on cars. @seller GLWTA hope you get some good money still a cool look and down here finding a replacement motor in San Diego is like finding a hot chick here easy. ??
So, is there a title or just a registration?
@drivenmanmotors is there the VIN stamp on the chassis floor between the seats that matches the title? Appears that TN gave it its' own VIN or am I wrong? Reason I am asking in my state for sure needs to see those two numbers match (title and stamp). Thanks
Bid in the amount of $7,500
I will bid on this car based on the sellers willingness to title and register in TN with the buyer paying the appropriate taxes and fees, this will help greatly.
@moezilla I'm no expert on California registration policies, but do you think that is a limitation on new builds being registered every year, because there's really no reason to limit vehicles which have already been registered in other states. Also not saying the California DMV has to have a good reason before doing something.
I thought the picture of the registration was up there, but I did not see it when I just checked. There is however a picture of the Tennessee assigned VIN tag.
@drivenmanmotors I believe you mentioned a registration card was in the photos, but can't seem to find it. I believe neverenough is speaking about California. Any other state is probably a lot easier. But California allows 500 SB100 special construction cars per year. Get in line early Jan 2! Most European countries are very tough. I believe the listing has an error, as the VIN is listed as TNV1N... when it is probably TNVIN...
@Neverenough Before the naysayers completely torpedo your interest why don't you ask your local DMV?
FYI - For the 7% sales tax it could be registered in TN and issued a TN title.
@moezilla Remember this car does a have state issued VIN and has been registered in at least 2 states ( TN and AL) , so it already exists in registration databases.
@Neverenough @moezilla interesting topic. Was just having exactly that, live with the owner of one of the key Speedster mfg in SoCal. Literally not building any for CA customers right now and his shop is full of cars being built. THat tells you something and so did the process he explained of what it takes to get a kit car registered and titles. Look on DMV and the forms and reg's are choking. And I was going to bid on this......
Still studying.
@moezilla Exactly. Germany and I think other countries over there banned these cars a couple years back. I sold a real 356 to a guy in CA not long ago with a GA registration (no title) only and he played hell trying to get a CA title in his name. Alabama really complicates things not just because they won't issue a title but because they have been notorious for many years now for "overlooking" salvage branded cars and other funky business. So some states are doing worse things than just frowning...
@Neverenough The Beck name has significant value in many countries as it is recognized as a real "kit" manufacturer., where only two or three are recognized. Also who would have thought a fake Porsche with a Beck name would be "collectible.* The Envemo coupe and coupe cabriolet replicas are worth something as well. "Beck" Speedsters acquired the molds. This one _might_do better if it had a VW title based on the visible VIN under the rear seat bottom cushion in front of the inspection plate on the donor chassis but some DMVs seem to be starting to frown on that.
Bid in the amount of $7,000
Bid in the amount of $6,750
Yesterday a beautiful Beck Speedster sold on BAT for $31K. Unlike this car it had really nice paint, built up performance level proper running engine, better looking Porsche gauges, proper dash badging, clean well taken care of undercarriage, proper title, pristine interior etc. etc. Comparing this car with the Beck would suggest a car value at approx half the $31K or $15K at best. Putting on top quality paint, building up a 1900 cc engine, cleaning up and sorting undercarriage, replate brightwork, reupholster the interior, and sorting out any other issues can’t be done for only $15K. Smearing on some substance to give it a barnfind look can be done for $30 in materials and a couple hours of fiddling. And you still don’t have a Beck quality car. So thinking a reasonable price for this car would be low to mid teens.
Bid in the amount of $6,500
@Neverenough No worries!
Bid in the amount of $6,250
@energyof2 Good call energy and I certainly didn't mean to impugn those of us who buy projects or chassis cars to finish. I have done many myself. I just seem to have run across an unusual number of Classic's tubs that were really bad. I should have been more specific.
@Neverenough I get what you are saying but some of us are not buying unfinished cars because of being "too cheap". Maybe we just want a project. I can speak from 9 car and truck restorations over the course of 25 years exactly classified as such.
Trippy little car. Beck and Vintage Speedsters were considered decent replicas. Classic Motors were considered to be much lower in quality and they sold a lot of tubs to people too cheap to buy a finished car. There were some bad cars that came out of the backyards of some these would be mechanics. Seller is right about the engine. It can't be that expensive to rebuild an old VW.
Bid in the amount of $6,000
Bid in the amount of $5,700
@Coachmule At least VW engines are comparatively dirt cheap to rebuild or modify and good used units are also automotive bargains. Being as this is a replica there is no original matching numbers engine to be worried about. You can go as mild or as wild as you want
I have to say very interesting car, the engine noise scares me but overall very cool. GLWTA. hope it does well.
Coachmule
Bid in the amount of $5,200
Bid in the amount of $4,888
Bid in the amount of $4,500
Bid in the amount of $3,000
@Jackbowser I'm sorry I missed part of your question. As stated in the description the temperature gauge currently does not work nor does the original Porsche 356 clock
@Jackbowser Good morning. You are 100% correct! All of the trim has some oxidation, rust specks, pitting or something on it somewhere or it wouldn't look right on the car. Several of these pieces are genuine old 356 pieces.
If you would like to remove the rust, prep the fiberglass and repaint it you, respectfully, should buy a different car. I even have a never finished speedster that would be perfect for someone who wants to build one to their personal taste. It does not have a manufacturer's tag, but I suspect it is probably another Classic brand.
Finally! A car I can park at the mall and not care about door dings from thoughtless parkers!
sounds like some folks don't understand Fiberglass doesn't rust.
Please describe the condition of the bright work. It looks like there is some pitting on the sideview mirrors.
Do all the gauges including the clock work?
Do you know how to remove the "rust patina"and what prep might be required to the fiberglass to prep it for new paint?
Bid in the amount of $2,450
@moezilla Since Alabama does not issue titles on 1957 model cars it only has a copy of the registration in which it is called a 1957 Porsche. There should be a photo of the registration in the picture section.
Apparently the car had been in Tennessee sometime before being registered in Alabama. That VIN number on the door jamb ID tag was assigned by the state of Tennessee. This may be an indication it was assembled and first registered in Tennessee.
@Dundertaker - Don't know why you took offense at what I said, and don't care. Nor do I care about your false allegations. Congratulations, you won, now have a nice day.
Bid in the amount of $1,200
What in the Hell Bobby?
Spent a lot of money to make a glass car "rusty" but to each their own.
Fake gauges, engine with noise.
Sorry, but none of this computes.
This will go down in the books either way!
@drivenmanmotors Thanks. I left you a private message as well. Figuring out the year of build (or at least the manufactured date of the kit) is probably based on the S2544 number from them. So I wrote to them to find out.
Is this titled as a VW bug in Alabama? I can't seem to decode what might be a state assigned vin?
@energyof2 I do not know what is causing the engine noise. It does seem to be something internal. We listened to it and do not have a solid determination of what it is. The engine runs smoothly and makes good power. It does not smoke. It starts very well. That would indicate to me the compression is good and the rotating components seem to be at the very least in usable condition. I am not a professional mechanic and definitely not a VW engine expert. My guess would be an improperly sized wrist pin or something like that. The noise comes in somewhere around 2,500 RPM and the frequency increases as the RPMs increase.
It is such a unique speedster I think a large percentage of the buyers would prefer to build their own engine to produce even more power or more accurately mimic a 356 engine.
As to the timeline for its initial build I have no information at all.
Bid in the amount of $250
@Analog_911 agreed...as I said...you didn't even bother reading the description ...https://youtu.be/27evSVwjzzI
@alchole - Ok, I'm the idiot in the room. I thought the iron oxide paste was a paint remover, and I thought that only some parts of the body were fiberglass. Obviously, I have no idea what I'm looking at, and the iron oxide paste can probably be washed-off with strong detergent and water. I give up.
@Analog_911
The description says the body is fiberglass. If that's the case, then "real" rust won't be an issue.
@Dundertaker - Please don't take offense, but Sir, that's no answer to a real question, asked by a real buyer. As the Seller, who is in better position to illustrate the awesome potential value of this replicar. Ironically, I've done a lot towards that goal. Why do you think I've put any thought into this at all?
[Answer: I've never anything like this before, so I'm thinking about buying this car, and thinking out loud. I don't know if my thoughts carry weight or not, but other interested parties (who may have deep experience) can offer their thoughts, and hopefully the value of this car will be realized via open and honest discussion.]
My question was focused on "What to do about the rust" ... I mean, it's "real rust", right? And that [real] rust will eventually eat holes in the bodywork, right? Can you estimate how long it will take for any such hole to appear? What do you recommend be done about that? Did any paint-remover seep into any body joint?
@Analog_911 maybe if you don't like it don't buy it? Simple answer. You also didn't read how the effect was done apparently. The reason "why not buy one" is why these replicas exist...supply and demand. A rusted piece of an original 356 could sell for more than some replicas.
My comments were specific to the description and what I personally saw...since I've actually seen and touched the car my opinion has substance and is relevant to potential buyers. It's a replica...complaining it's not real or you don't like the style is pointless. Most adults would just not bid vs bloviate about it if they weren't interested. Your comments added nothing.
Less interested in this patina discussion and more regarding the comment about engine noise. Have you had it checked out or analyzed since ad was published? Also any documentation of when this was actually built? Thanks.
@drivenmanmotors - I also love the steering wheel.
@drivenmanmotors Yeah, it got my attention. but did it get my bid? I suppose anyone truly interested in the car would want to stop the deterioration. Perhaps a prospective new owner would see a unique opportunity to sand-down the rusted areas, slather a thin film of "bond-o" on top of the clean metal areas, now ready for the final step, which would be painting the car, which actually never happens ...in favor of parading it as a half-completed DIY restoration ... forever?
Seems most folks would prefer not have to work to reverse the damage, so that leaves few folks interested as buyers, which results in a lower price. Sorry to be so contrary to the spirit of the auction.
@Dundertaker - Yes, I admit it's a neat trick to disguise the replicar as a rusting gem, but for what purpose? To let it sit and continue to rust as a garage-queen? Or, to drive it around in rusted-condition as neighbors and strangers gawk at the poor, neglected, once proud marque?
I'm no genius, so I'll be the first to admit that I'm simply blind to any useful purpose for doing as the owner as done, except perhaps to be used as a prop in a movie or a commercial. But there's plenty of other [real, genuine] rusting 356's patiently waiting to be restored, if only the owner had the funds and time to complete the necessary work.
Perhaps the owner should disclose if this was a successful strategy that he would gladly do again.
@Terra
It's a fun toy, and it sure gets more attention than my original 356!
I saw this in person while looking at another auction car in person a few weeks ago. I had to get right up on it to see it was a replica. I didn't go over it more than cosmetics, but it's as the seller describes and he was very detailed in the description (and accurate) of the car I was there to see...this is no different. It's a neat car ...the interior materials, specifically, were very nice. The seller was very knowledgeable and open about every question we had on the car we looked at and every car we discussed at his shop: including this one. We drove there in a VW...it's a solid looking replica and looked like it was built with skill and care. How it looks are subjective, as they are with all replicas, but it is as described and fooled me for a minute.
If one wants to disguise the fact that it is a replica, first get rid of the giveaway VW emergency brake between the seats. Some of the current replica manufacturers understand this and offer an “umbrella” brake which would be a good modification to this car.
@Analog_911 Good afternoon. The patina effect is quite impressive. To anything other than a close inspection it truly looks authentic. The consistency of the patina ( both genuine and contrived) across all aspects of the paint and trim really boost the effect.
The engine is nothing special. I'm not a Beetle expert and really do not know anything specifically about the engine. To me it looks like a single port engine. It does deliver respectable power for what it is. The transmission is geared rather tall. The mid-range and top end speeds are very usable. In one of the pictures you will see an indicated 80 mph at 3,750 RPM. I double-checked that with GPS and found it was closer to 70 mph, but still a very sustainable speed in the car.
"... a previous owner ... invested a tremendous amount of time and effort to create a faithful representation of a Porsche Speedster barn find. Iron oxide paste was applied throughout the exterior to create a rust patina ..."
I'm not sure whether to say "That's incredible" or "That's not credible"
I might be interested in the "air-cooled Volkswagen flat-four engine [and the] 4-speed manual transmission" if details were available