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How the Club Started Although the original Porsche 356 Speedster was designed as a stripped-down, cut-price model to battle with the 'cheap' MGs and the like in the American market, it became one of the most sought-after classics of the boom period in collector cars. Originally sold for a whisker short of $3000, excellent examples were changing hands a couple of decades after production ceased for around £70,000! The distinctive inverted bath-tub shape caught the imagination of enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic and, when prices went ballistic, the replica was born. Just about every owner was an enthusiast - so someone just had to start a club...   Founded in November 1992 Through 1991 and 1992 a stream of suggestions and requests could be heard on the Chesil Speedsters stand at shows - and so strong did the demand for a club become that it was decided to launch "Speedsters - the club!" at the 1992 South West Kit and Sports Car Show in November. Amid popping champagne corks (well, sparkling wine anyway) on the Chesil stand at Bristol's dockside Exhibition Centre, the club was born. Naturally the earliest members were Chesil (and fore-runner Street Beetle) customers but the club is intended to cater for the needs of all Speedster enthusiasts, from the original Porsche through all the replica makers from around the world, to people who don't even own a Speedster but just love the shape!   Members all over the world Founder members were Vernon and Yvonne Mortimer, who still run the organisation from what has become known as "Speedsters Club HQ" at Netherdale Lodge Bridgwater Road Sidcot, WINSCOMBE Avon BS25 1NH Since that launch, over two hundred enthusiasts have enrolled into the club and consist of those looking for a used Speedster, starting to collect the components to build one, in the process of assembly, having placed the order for a complete 'turnkey' car from the manufacturer - and those currently driving around in one! Interestingly, over one third of the members do not actually own a Speedster at the moment - and several of these have no intention of doing so. They simply want to read about them, look at them and talk about them, being in constant contact with fellow enthusiasts. Members are situated all over the UK and overseas, in such countries as Germany, Greece, Sweden - as far afield as America and even 'down under' in New Zealand. the starter motor.....the club magazine.....back to club index