I purchased the factory built Chesil Speedster in mid 2003, and collected it in Nov 2003. So far, I have been delighted with the car.

I made the decision to purchase a Speedster at the end of 2002, and spent most of 2003 discussing various aspects of the car with Chesil, with some other Speedster owners plus some short discussions with Arnie Levics Engineering. I also spoke to owners of other replica or kit cars.

I really only wanted the Speedster. My first car back in the 80s was a VW. I was always intrigued with air cooled engines. A friend has a collection of old Porsches. Other friends were owners of various replica or kit cars. Last, but not least I really like the look and sound of the Porsche 356.

So my decision to purchase a 356 replica was relatively easy. Deciding on exactly what options to select was tougher as Chesil offered such a range.

The engine spec is as follows ...
* A new Arnie Levics built twin port VW Type 1 with all new ancillaries,
* 4 cylinder, 2 horizontally opposed pairs,
* Rear mounted, 90 bhp, Air cooled,
* Crankcase re-used but drilled for better lubrication with Higher pressure relief valves,
* Crank 69 mm reground,
* Flywheel lightened and balanced,
* VW transporter clutch 200 mm,
* Oil pump Melling 36 mm, plus bugpack filter mount,
* 90.5 mm barrels and pistons,
* All standard pushrods, not balanced,
* Heads standard but with 9 mm sodium filled valves,
* Engle 110 camshaft,
* Carbs, twin Weber 3 ICTs,
* Cooling tin all chrome,
... Alternator standard 50/55 amp,
... Pulley standard,
... Heater boxes standard,
... Case re-used, but tapped for oil take off for cooler or remote filter,
... Balance pipe between carbs,
... Breathers routed back to carbs,
... Coil & battery ignition system,A new Arnie Levics built twin port VW Type 1 with all new ancillaries,
... 4 cylinder,
... 2 horizontally opposed pairs,
... Rear mounted,
... 90 bhp,
... Air cooled,
... Crankcase re-used but drilled for better lubrication with Higher pressure relief valves,
... Crank 69 mm reground,
... Flywheel lightened and balanced,
... VW transporter clutch 200 mm,
... Oil pump Melling 36 mm, plus bugpack filter mount,
... 90.5 mm barrels and pistons,
... All standard pushrods, not balanced,
... Heads standard but with 9 mm sodium filled valves,
... Engle 110 camshaft,
... Carbs, twin Weber 3 ICTs,
... Cooling tin all chrome,
... Alternator standard 50/55 amp,
... Pulley standard,
... Heater boxes standard,
... Case re-used, but tapped for oil take off for cooler or remote filter,
... Balance pipe between carbs,
... Breathers routed back to carbs,
... Coil & battery ignition system,

I opted for the Speedster Evolution (see Chesil web site) version plus a number of extra creature comforts.

My car spec is as follows

* 1800 cc air-cooled Arnie Levics engine,
* High ratio gear-box,
* Stainless steel exhaust,
* Front window heater (this was a good decision, and one I would strongly recommend),
* Rear seats rather than bench seat (I have a young child who will want to ride in the back one day soon),
* Removable hard top (I have yet to collect it so I can't say yet whether this extra was worth it or not),
* Thatcham category 1 alarm / immobilizer (this helped me with getting insurance),
* Historic number plates,
* Stereo / CD (hidden under the dash)
* Porsche badging throughout
* Over-riders on the bumpers (I just think that they add to the look and styling of the car)



As I was living in the USA up 'til the end of 2003, I found it easier to organize everything through Chesil.

I did spend some time debating the engine options on offer during mid 2003. I really wanted an air cooled version. Most people I interviewed indicated that the 1800 cc was powerful enough for my driving profile, The 2000 cc requires a larger oil sump so reduces the clearance under the car just behind the rear wheels, A technician at Arnie Levics indicated that the 1800 cc was their most reliable engine,

I am still running in the car, so am limited to 60 mph and 3,000 revs. It is such early days that it is hard for me to say whether I would change
anything about the car, and how I went about purchasing it.

I definitely have no regrets. The car is beautiful. It leads to some very interesting conversations at garage stations and other stop overs.

I hope these comments help any other would be Speedster owners

Tony Tucker and some other Speedster members were very helpful to me when I was debating various options during 2003. Their help was greatly appreciated.

Donal O'Connell
Alton
Hampshire
 
tel: 01420-85205

email: shane.oconnell1@btinternet.com