Steve_Mack_CT Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 (edited) Whenever a speedster comes up there seems to be interest in discussing and I know a number of forum members own or are interested in these cars. A fantastic 1913 Buick Speedster is currently for sale in the "Buy/Sell" section of the forum, albeit a bit much for me! That said, I am seeing these surface based on models other than the typical "A" or "T".So my suggestion is a section dedicated to these cars. Ground rules would be simple - this would not be a hot rod forum or anything like that, but be specifically for speedsters based on running gear no later than say, 1931? (This to allow inclusion of A based speedsters, but the date is only a suggestion.) What I have in mind is really the stuff dating prior to 1920. Granted this is a little different than our other forums, however can anyone think of a better place to house such a forum? Would be great to follow a couple builders or have someone like the builder of the Buick post a bit about their project. Also would be nice to know where some of these folks source parts like the gas tanks, seats, etc. A friend built a nice T speedster a couple years ago and had the cowl fabbed locally, which I thought was interesting, and it came out great. Not looking for another controversial topic (hopiing this isn't), and of course would defer the great folks who run our site on any groundrules, but I thought I would see if anyone else likes this idea.Selfish reason is I want to learn more about these as I have been thinking about diving in. I am confident I could build a decent T based speedster but wonder if something a little more exotic would be possible..Thoughts? Edited May 2, 2012 by Steve_Mack_CT clarity (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RansomEli Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I like your idea. I'm currently assembling a Franklin raceabout from spare parts. I don't have enough parts to build a complete car, but I can put another Franklin back on the road as a raceabout.A speedster forum would let everyone share ideas and tips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavinnz Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I would be up for it.RegardsGavin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexRiv_63 Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I love 'em, you have my vote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest daytona Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Got my vote, I would love to build another speedster but would like something a little different from the T speedster that I built. Something on a bit larger wheelbase yet that would not be terribly expensive to build like a LaFrance would be. I think I would prefer brass era only but who knows...It would be great if anyone had some period, detailed photos of a few speedsters. Great idea Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hddennis Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 (edited) Steve, Excellent idea! I've always had a soft spot for these cars since the 1960's when as a teen I first became interested in antique cars. Back then many surviving chassis's were just easier to turn into a speedster than to fabricate entire missing bodies. Until recently I thought these were mostly built during that period. After acquiring a 1917 Maxwell chassis I too decided since I had limited funds and no body I too should try a speedster. In my research I've found that these were a LOT more common than I first thought and contrary to what I was first told even Maxwell dabbled in several versions of speedsters. I've found automotive magazines of the period are full of parts for and inquiries and suggestions of how to build speedsters. This should prove to be a popular subject I think.Howard Dennis Edited May 2, 2012 by hddennis (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hddennis Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 (edited) Steve, Here's some great sites for ideas and information to get this ball rolling!Northwest Vintage Speedstershttp://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/speedsterowners/Howard Dennis Edited May 2, 2012 by hddennis (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 Thanks all - Howard, looks like my lunchtime reading assignment has arrived... I was hoping Mr. Daytona would pipe up - look closely at the cowl on his (ex) speedster, to see some nice local fabrication work! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarrsCars Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Steve, Here's some great sites for ideas and information to get this ball rolling!Northwest Vintage Speedstersspeedsterowners : northwest speedster ownersHoward DennisThat's right here in my own backyard! I'm never going to have any free time again (thankfully). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Laferriere Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 (edited) I'm in! Here are some of my speedsters.Heck, look at my logo! Edited May 2, 2012 by Tom Laferriere (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 I've collected and sold Ford speed equipment for 45+ years, never had a finished Speedster, but still have the bits to assemble a rolling chassis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petri Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 I'm fascinated by them. The first one I ever saw was the National Roadster in the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago way back in the 50's. A car similar to the Mercer Raceabout and the Stutz Bearcat. I wanted one but at age 68, I'm still "speedsterless". The Newport, Indiana Hillclimb attracts a large number of speedsters, 15 maybe and mostly Model T's. I'd love to follow a thread on these interesting automobiles. There has to be a lot of interesting history here.Howard1932 Packard Light Eight Coupe-Roadster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 (edited) I'll present the idea of a speedster-specific forum to the those in charge. Here are a couple in my family's collection. Edited May 3, 2012 by West Peterson (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
79 speedster Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Like the idea of speedster anyone.I had 1919 ALF that I started to convert but had recently sold it when I found someone looking for one.The trouble was, had not satisfied the speedster itch and have recently moved into a 1914 Overland speedster project. 1914 was the only year for a factory speedster by Overland and all of the factory blueprints for most of the parts are available through the owners club. How great is that? I kind of fell into this one and am very pumped about getting it on the road for it's 100th birthday. Best, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dep5 Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 Here is some pics of a 1911 Hudson model 33 I used to own. It came from Art Burrichter(sp) in Iowa. Originally it was a torpedo touring, I think the body was removed and converted to a pickup truck during WWII so a farmer could get gas for it. Around 1961 it was converted into a speedster.It is in California now, I am amused by the "story" the current owners have fabricated. I have another 1911 Hudson 33 torpedo touring, it was parted out and parts used to make up a so-called Mile-A-Minuter speedster. Bob Forbes had my original engine but alas I lost rack of it. I still need an engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Paulsen Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Here's our 1920 Model T with a Frontenac 'T' head. Lots of fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Will post pics of a 1915 ALF Speedster we built for a customer as soon as someone volunteers to resize and post the pics. This is a 1000 cu. in. (15 liter) 6 cylinder. Drives amazingly well for a vehicle weighing 6600#. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Here you go Jeff. The first one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R W Burgess Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Second picture! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Thanks Wayne! It's one of the few speedsters to be invited to and shown at Amelia Island. The owner drove it 50 miles to a show and 50 miles home thru Philly area traffic year before last, averaged 4 mpg. Great fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Lichtfel Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Years ago if you found an old car that was not restorable but had a good chassis you would build a speedster out of it. Even if it wasn't original they were fun. It would be interesting to have a speedster club with a meet at some track to run them. RHL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msmazcol Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Franklin the right way, Franklin with the spare stuff put together. Is that a Speedster? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest daytona Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 MSMAZCOL, any more pictures of the Franklin Speedster, looks great. Who made the body?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidAU Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 I saw this Bentley a couple of weekends back at the Rolls-Royce National Rally on the Gold Coast in Australia. It had the "saddle bags" on both sides and the trunk rack out the back so I would say they must have travelled some distance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hddennis Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Here's some more speedsters having fun:Third Annual International Speedsters Trials And Reunion Bridge Photo 1Howard Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Thanks Wayne! It's one of the few speedsters to be invited to and shown at Amelia Island.??? You must be referring to American LaFrance speedsters, or recently-built speedsters, because the Amelia Island Concours has had many, many speedsters shown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted May 23, 2012 Share Posted May 23, 2012 Yes, recenty built ALF speedsters. We were surprised to be invited. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msmazcol Posted May 26, 2012 Share Posted May 26, 2012 MSMAZCOL, any more pictures of the Franklin Speedster, looks great. Who made the body??Body hand built by my Dad, Milton. Amazing what you can do with a cardboard mock up, a black crayon, and lots of imagination.Inspired by Cannon Ball Bakers pike peak racer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
79 speedster Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 If anyone is building an ALF speedster, I have some parts that could be of value to you. They are large cowl lights w/brackets, ALF MotoMeter, two spot lights and some misc. stuff. I can provide pictures of everything if interested.I had a project at one time, but it went down the road. Thanks, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest postwarnut Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Here are a couple Speedsters the Historic Vehicle Association spotted while on the 2012 Great Race! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest postwarnut Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Here's our 1920 Model T with a Frontenac 'T' head. Lots of fun! Chris happens to be one of my professors at McPherson College, and although I haven't yet had a chance to ride in his speedster, I have drooled over it many a times! Here is a picture I snapped of one its many mismatched tires from the McPherson College Cars Club Car Show this past May! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JM1 Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 There were a few at the Millers at Milwaukee event last week. Harry A. Miller Club. They were also celebrating the Vanderbilt Cup Centennial. Sorry there are off topic pictures included. Enjoy!Fridayhttps://picasaweb.google.com/106722423104881229854/Millers12?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCIHvytPlo-ydRQ&feat=directlinkSaturdayhttps://picasaweb.google.com/106722423104881229854/Millers7812?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCP2P48qIr-3ongE&feat=directlink Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulrhd29nz Posted July 14, 2012 Share Posted July 14, 2012 Awesome Photos! What a great day that looks to be! Thanks for posting that!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DE SOTO Posted July 19, 2012 Share Posted July 19, 2012 My 1923 Dodge Project .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted July 24, 2012 Author Share Posted July 24, 2012 Neat project DE SOTO. Any more details?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gastruk Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 Is there such a thing as a Hot Rod speedster ?Say larger wheels and tyres. Big and littles. With out straying from the era. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulrhd29nz Posted August 1, 2012 Share Posted August 1, 2012 This is my idea of a Speedster Hot rod!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gastruk Posted August 8, 2012 Share Posted August 8, 2012 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
playswithbrass Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Here are some pictures of our 1913 T. It still needs some paint and windshield. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarrsCars Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 This is my idea of a Speedster Hot rod!!!That is one elegant and bada$$ machine, wow, good work finding that one, or is it yours? Congrats if so! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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