In today’s market, the Porsche Speedster is one of the most highly sought after vehicles and well-sorted original cars can command prices in the $2,000,000+ USD range.  However, this was not the case in 1958.  Rather, in 1958 the Speedster was four years old and was facing declining sales.  In an attempt to broaden its appeal, Porsche superseded it by bringing a cabriolet called the “Convertible D” to market.  In Circular Letter No. 23/58, dated July 31, 1958, Porsche outlined the changes it was making to the traditional Speedster design.  These changes included a taller windscreen which gave better forward visibility, a revised convertible top frame, an enlarged rear window giving better rear visibility, larger upholstered seats instead of Speedster buckets, roll up windows instead of side curtains, door pockets on both doors, a windshield washer, a tonneau cover and a revised dashboard providing for the addition of a radio and an ashtray.  Importantly, the “Convertible D” could only be purchased in one of four colors: 5702 – Ruby Red; 5703 – Meissen Blue, 5704 – Ivory; and 5706 – Silver Metallic.  Only 1,331 Convertible D’s were made between 1958 and 1959, making them one of the rarest Porsche in existence today.  

In tribute to the Convertible D, Intermeccanica began production of its version of the car - the Roadster RS.  Intermeccanica’s attention to exacting detail shows in the interior of the Roadster with the dash, gauges, seats, transmission tunnel and convertible top frame being faithfully following the original Porsche design. The floor pan of Intermeccanica’s cars is also virtually identical to the original cars and, rather than the cramped foot well of a VW Beetle based replica, they possesses ample room for the driver’s left leg and foot.

The exactitude of Intermeccanica’s replication gives their cars several great advantages over the competition.  These advantages include the use of the highest quality components, virtually identical width, length and height chassis measurements, windows that are made of glass and actually roll up (not plastic sheets that you stick in holes in the doors), correct seats with headrests, correct VDO gauges, a correct Roadster convertible folding top frame with interior lining and soundproofing (not two aluminum frame bars with a header) and unique badging proudly displaying the Intermeccanica name.  Perhaps the greatest advantage Intermeccanica has over other reproduction companies is through its ability to protect owners from the devastating effects of depreciation.  That is, given the stellar reputation of the manufacturer, it exactitude and its high regard in the Porsche community, Intermeccanica’s do not suffer from the same rates of depreciation as their competitors and either hold their value over time or, if properly maintained and improved, actually gain value over time.  This reason alone is enough to choose an Intermeccanica over any other competitor.

Frankly speaking, Intermeccanica’s cars also have several advantages over the originals in that they have a rust-proof body shell, boxed frame construction (which permits the replacement of the entire body shell - no welded panels!), readily available replacement parts for both mechanical and cosmetic items, independent rear suspension and far, far lower maintenance costs.  In exemplification of this, the majority of Intermeccanica’s are powered by Type 1 VW engines which can be purchased for as little as $3,000 dollars.  In contrast, “new” 356 engines do not exist and rebuilt Porsche 356 engines can cost in excess of $10,000 (excluding core charges and freight).  Further, this particular car is equipped with four wheel disc brakes which were not an option on an actual Convertible D’s (or any 356’s prior to 1964).  Given these advantages and in all objectivity, it is easy to see that Intermeccanica’s can and do compete with their Ferdinandesque forbearers.

The vehicle presented for sale here was built in 2002 on a steel tubular frame chassis (serial number IM12365) and has been painted a period correct Meissen Blue (paint code POR 5703).  The graceful body is perfectly matched to a flawless fawn leatherette covering the seats, door panels, dash and rear bench seat.  A tan stayfast canvas convertible top provides all weather protection and is insulated and lined with a slightly darker faux suede.  The top’s rear plastic window is identical in size and shape to the original Convertible D’s rear plastic window and is clear and blemish free.  If shade is desired then the windows can be rolled down and the rear window can be “unzipped” and lowered for an open air feel.  Under normal driving conditions, e.g., sunny days, the top and frame are neatly concealed by a tan stayfast canvas convertible boot.

The car’s interior is equipped with correct reproduction seats with sturdy headrests, full carpeting, floor mats, a Blaupunct AM/FM/CD head unit with 4 matching Blaupunct 6” speakers (2 front, 2 rear), Harada under dash amplified antenna, 3 point seat belts, driver and passenger courtesy lights and a Nardi wooden steering wheel.

This car is also equipped with superb mechanical components which include the following:

·         Freeway flyer transmission (IRS);

·         EMPI short shift kit and reverse lockout trigger shifter;

·         4 wheel disc brakes;

·         24mm rear torsion bars;

·         Front and rear sway bars with polyurethane bushings;

·         High performance Pirelli P6000’s (185/65 R15);

·         Chrome 15” rims (5.5” in the front and massive 7” in the rear); and

·         Baby moon hubcaps on all 4 wheel.

The one aspect of this car that makes it truly unique is its monster sized engine which is a Bernie Bergman built 2.5 litre Type 1 pushing approximately 150 horsepower!  This massive power plant easily propels the car down the freeway at speeds in excess of legal limits.  At the time it was built in 2002, the engine’s components included the following:

·         New case;

·         New shuffle pins;

·         Chromoly head studs;

·         SCAT 90mm chromoly crank;

·         H beam chromoly rods;

·         13 lbs steel flywheel;

·         Double thrust cam bearing;

·         New Engle 120 cam;

·         New Bosche .009 Distributor with electronic ignition;

·         Dual port heads;

·         Single heavy duty springs;

·         Full flow oil pump;

·         2 remote oil coolers with electric fans;

·         J tubes w/o heater boxes;

·         911 fan shroud;

·         Dual Weber 44’s with ported manifolds.

Since the engine was assembled in 2002, the car has been driven approximately 3,000 miles.  Given the low miles, the absence of any leaks from either the engine or the transmission and the car’s generally pristine nature, the car can be counted on to deliver many more years of worry free motoring.

NOTE:  The presence of J tubes means the car’s heater system has been bypassed and is inoperable.  If you would like to return it to operation, the J tubes must be removed and heater boxes or heat exchangers must be installed.  As I live in the notoriously “un-cold” state of Texas, I see no need to do this.  Further, in my air cooled experience, the heating system is neither wanted nor needed (yes, I suffer from burnt left ankle syndrome).

If you are interested in seeing the Meissen Blue Monster in operation, please feel free to visit the dealership’s You Tube channel, TheBavarianMotors. 

If you are interested in owning this wonderfully balanced, extremely powerful vehicle then please contact Mark Counts at 713-320-3059. 

Features

We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase.

If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059.

Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty.

However, some of our cars are eligible for extended warranties.

Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative.

Unless stated otherwise in the vehicle's listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer.

There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them.

If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper.

Terms and Conditions

All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. 

We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction.

The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashier's check) to start the transaction.

It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. 

Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection.  

We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections.  These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure  that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71.

Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee.

Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyer's home state registration.

The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyer's responsibility.

We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle.

Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details.

For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest  way to complete the sale.  If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada".

Notice to All Bidders

Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle!

All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax.

Major Credit Cards are accepted.

Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee).

Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits.

We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding.

Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059.

We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!