The Chesil 356 Speedster
Tradition with modern road manners
Whilst the traditional Volkswagen Beetle chassis is true to the original 356, it was originally designed nearly 80 years ago and even those cars used as donors are at least 50 years old. Finding cars which are suitable to become donors is becoming increasingly difficult. By designing and building our own chassis we can improve the driving dynamics and strength of our car and stop depleting what is now becoming a scarce classic in its own right.
Chassis, steering and brake design have come a long way in 80 years and whilst some improvements can be made to the original Volkswagen underpinnings, a ground up re-design has allowed us to use rack and pinion steering, all-round disc brakes and fully independent suspension. Our aim has been to produce a totally analog sports car that is not only thrilling to drive, but stops and handles in a predictable modern manner.
Benefits of the new Chesil chassis
Power steering option
In addition to the 356 Speedsters' rack and pinion steering, we are also able to offer an electric power steering system as a factory option.
Stronger and more torsionally rigid
A strong, torsionally rigid chassis immediately improves the handling of the 356 Speedster over its donor car cousin. It also minimises scuttle shake that can plague older sports cars.
Fully independent suspension
Our chassis has been designed around modern fully independent front and rear wishbones, with poly bushes and adjustable coil over shock absorbers. It not only improves the handling but allows for the ride to be tailored to your taste.
Rack and pinion steering
Modern rack and pinion steering gives light, precise steering. We are also able to add our electric power steering system as a factory option.
All round, servo assisted disc brakes
Whilst the original brakes are quite capable, they did not have modern servo assistance. By not only improving the braking capacity, but adding servo assistance, the 356 Speedster pulls up in a way that any modern vehicle would be proud of.
Fuel injected engine
All our Speedsters come with a brand new VW Type 1 engine, built under licence here in the UK. Each engine comes with electronic fuel injection and ignition. This improves the cars performance, fuel consumption and reliability.
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Factory build process
Chassis
Our team build your all new suspension and brake components onto the new 356 Speedster chassis at our factory.
Drive Train
A new Type-1 engine and rebuilt gearbox to Chesil specification are fitted to your chassis.
Body
Our market leading Speedster body, with concourse quality paint and exterior trim.
Interior
Tailored interior upholstery of your choice, completed by our in house trim shop.
356 Speedster
Your car will be built to your specification, IVA tested and ready to drive away.
From £76,995 + options
Chassis components and upgrades
All new suspension components, brakes, wheels, tyres, fastenings and cables are fitted to your chassis by our engineers. This ensures your Chesil 356 Speedster has the very best underpinnings available.
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Chesil 356 chassis Standard
- Steel '356' wheels with chrome caps Standard
- LHD or RHD Standard
- Toyo 175/70 R15 tyres Standard
- Fuchs style alloy wheels £1,980
- Toyo 175/65 R15 tyres £195
Drive train and upgrades
The 356 Speedster comes with a brand new VW Type 1 engine built in the UK. The specification is unique to our car and includes electronic fuel injection and a catalyst exhaust system. This ensures class leading performance, emissions and fuel consumption.
- New Chesil 1,641cc EFI engine - 75 bhp Standard
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Chesil high ratio rebuilt gearbox Standard
- Engine and gearbox oil pack Standard
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Servo assisted brakes
£895
- Power assisted steering £2,495
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Interior and upgrades
A tailor made interior, built in-house by our specialist trim department. Choose from our extensive range of leather, carpets seats, gauges and in-car entertainment. Each factory built 356 Speedster is a 'one of one' build to your taste.
- Leather interior (seats, door cards and dash top) Standard
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Square weave carpet Standard
- Tailored over mats £145
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Classic bucket seats Standard
- Slotted bucket seats £225
- Heated seats £345
- 'Ivory' gauge pack £145
- Dash clock £195
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Classic look stereo and speakers £695
- Dual USB charger £145
Body shell and upgrades
The Chesil Speedster is world renowned for being one of the most accurate and best quality 356 Speedster shells. The glass fibre bodies are supplied prepared and painted to your taste, with bumpers, bright work, glass, switch gear and electrics.
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Painted, 356 Speedster body shell and glass Standard
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Metallic paint £495
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Pearl paint £895
- Coloured hood £195
- Hood bag £295
- Chrome pack £210
- Leather bonnet straps £245
- Headlight grills £195
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Fog lamp kit £1245
- LED lamp kit £395
- Traditional badge kit £245
- Heated screen (IVA requirement with sports exhaust) £245
Book a test drive
Our new Chesil 356 Speedster is now available to drive. Follow the link to book a test drive.
Speak to us
Use the contact form to enquire about your 356 Speedster.
