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The speedster replica was born in the 1970’s. Early manufacturers used a shortened VW pan and did not adequately reinforce the body. This led to the infamous “jack test”. If one were to lift the car with a jack, due to the body flex, the car doors would no longer close properly. Vintage Speedsters engineered a new type of structure starting with our first speedster produced in 1988.

Vintage Speedsters uses a custom built, jig welded, 2×4 inch 11-gauge steel frame. An original VW pan is restored, shortened and welded to the new steel skeleton. The rigid new structure retains the original VW pan design and integrates the largest frame possible. All of our custom built speedsters easily pass the “jack test”. In addition, the steering wheel is offset slightly, just as an original speedster.

While some manufacturers will lead the customer to believe the use of a VW pan is inferior, it’s hard to argue with some facts.
1) Volkswagen produced over 21,000,000 cars using the pan design.
2) Vintage Speedsters hand built over 3300 speedsters as of 2016.
3) We build more than 90% of the speedsters being sold today.

Vintage Speedsters was established in 1986 and as of 2016, we hand built over 3300 Speedsters. We produce in our own facilities, more cars in one week, than some so-called manufacturers do in a year.

Vintage Speedsters use VW air-cooled engines. Stock engines will require a valve adjustment and tune-up every 3000 miles. This is a simple process and can be done by any foreign auto mechanic. VW produced over 29 million air-cooled engines, so finding parts and service is never a problem.

SPECIFICATIONS
Gasoline Octane: 91
Oil Weight: 30W
Tire Size: 165-65-R15 or 185-60-R15
Tire Pressure: 22psi
Valve Clearance: .006
Distributor: Bosch 009

OIL CHANGE:
The engine oil should be changed at 3 months or 3000 mile intervals after the change of 300 miles on new motors. Most engines use a traditional style oil sump strainer

VALVE ADJUSTMENT:
Engines equipeed with standard valves should have the valves adjusted every 3000 miles or when needed. Initial adjustment on new engines should occure first at 500 miles. Valve clearance should be set to .006

Many insurance companies will cover your new Vintage Speedster. Here are just a few.
In California, US Only:
Barlow Ins. — 1-800-558-7772
Hagerty Classic Auto Ins – 1-800-922-4050
US Nationwide:
Hagerty Ins. — 1-800-747-5348

They receive a VW title. The year reflects the manufactured year of the original donor pan.

Smog is by the year of the chassis, in CA. 1976 and earlier are exempt.

165/15 Tires , 5 1/2in. By 15in. wheels, preserve the original look of the speedster.