Tradition with modern road manners
Why are we developing our own chassis?
Whilst the traditional Volkswagen Beetle chassis is very true to the original design of the 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 scares Classic in its own right.
Why will the 356-Speedster have improved road manners?
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, all features we have become used to in our modern cars. Our aim is to produce a totally analog sports car that is not only thrilling to drive, but stops and handles in a predictable modern manner.
When can I buy a 356-Speedster?
We are currently completing our last prototype and confirming the spec and bill of materials for production. We intend to have a price list available at the end of April and start building customer cars in September 2023.
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356-Speedster Timeline
Development to 2023
Design a new chassis to underpin the Chesil Speedster Body.
- Completion of the chassis design.
- Prototype chassis build
- Completion of body frame design.
- Prototype body build
- Build up of prototype chassis including suspension
- Build of Chesil body onto the new body frame and fit new closing panels.
- Preparation and paint of new body shell
- Install engine, gearbox
- Fit body to chassis
- Run wiring loom
- Build up vehicle
- Complete vehicle build and interior trim
- Production intent designs and bill of materials
- ORDER BOOK OPENS END MAY
- Fuel injection for engine
- IVA test for prototype
- Production components made
- Production of car #1
- Production of car #2
- Series production of customer cars begins