A rare Covin Speedster replica with an even rarer hard-top, with a pleasing patina
IVA approved and correctly DVLA registered as a Speedster
Long MOT to August 2024
Thick history file of maintenance and invoices
Porsche badged
The Appeal
The sheer beauty and desirability of the early 356, particularly the open top Speedster, continues to push values into the stratosphere. One company helping to bridge the gap for customers who love the style but have less deep pockets was Covin.
The joy of the Covin Speedster is that the body is almost indistinguishable from the original and, of course, it uses Volkswagen running gear, much like the original cars, making for simple mechanics and ease of maintenance, and of course, cheap and readily available parts
Tastefully finished in black over red and supplied with a rare and desirable hard top, it currently carries a patina of character that gives the impression it really is a survivor Porsche 356 Speedster.
With its long MOT and period looks, it's a tempting and usable purchase.
The History and Paperwork
The donor vehicle was a 1972 Beetle
First registered correctly by the DVLA as a Speedster in June 2015
IVA certification process already completed to enable this and for DVLA to issue a VIN
Acquired by the seller in July 2020 from specialist Total Headturners
Two thick files of history including invoices, and a plethora of magazines and parts catalogues
Photographic evidence of engine rebuild
Invoice from Total Headturners from July 2020 for vehicle check and fitting a new dynamo
Covin brochure and pages of various notable factory Speedsters
Last serviced when acquired from Total Headturners, few miles since verified by MOT history
MOT to 21st August 2024
Rare optional fibreglass hard top and Porsche badged
Just three owners since IVA registration
Covin might need a little introduction. Covin Performance Moldings was a British kit car manufacturer specializing in Porsche replicas. The company was founded in 1983 by Tim Cook and Nick Vincent, which also explains the name. In the 1980s, Covin was best known for their 911 replicas.
However, they also built some 356 replicas, which are a lot rarer. Only about thirty of these were ever sold by Covin, and many of those were LHD, making this car even rarer in RHD format.
Originally built in the early Nineties, and built on 1972 Beetle running gear, the car passed the onerous IVA test in 2015 and is now correctly registered with the DVLA as a Speedster (it carries a DVLA-issued VIN number).
For anyone with little knowledge of the requirements of an IVA, it’s perhaps better explained because a non-IVA’d car can be result in a very expensive experience for the owner.
Because speedster replicas have a shortened VW chassis, VOSA require the car to meet stringent requirements more akin to that of a new car. Meeting these IVA requirements can be both costly and time-consuming (it’s not unusual to have a £15k cost depending on the car itself). For this reason, many replicas still drive around with a V5C still documenting these cars as being a VW Beetle, four seater saloon for example. In doing so, they risk the confiscation of the car, the V5C, or both. Should they be involved in an accident, the consequences will be severe.
As such, being IVA compliant, this Covin represents an excellent opportunity to either drive the car (legally) as is, or embark on a restoration to produce something remarkable and ready to be enjoyed in the summer months. And the best bit is, not only will you avoid the onerous IVA test, but the car is really simple to work on, even for a first-timer or total novice.
The Condition
Looks great in black with black rims and chrome hub caps
Paintwork in fair condition with some localised areas marks, edge chips and scuffs
None of the marks are unsightly and arguably add to the patina of what could be a 1950s car
Fuel flap unfortunately does not lock shut so could do with attention
Well detailed exterior with Porsche badging and attractive rear chrome luggage rack
Chrome hub caps nicely accented the black finish and are in good order
Hard top is a rare Covin option and is presentable but ideally needs refurbishment
Black fabric soft top in good order with good shape and frame
Drop in side windows included
Interior trimmed in contrasting red with fair fit and finish across fittings
There are some areas that may warrant improvement but it is not unsightly
Vinyl bucket seats are well kept with little sign of wear
Small rear seat trimmed in matching vinyl and appears to be unused
Door cards in similar condition albeit with some loose trim items to driver’s side
Vinyl trimmed dashtop in good order with attractive dial cowl
Green VDO dials look good and in fair albeit not perfect condition
Complemented by variety of push button and auxiliary dials and switchgear
Red carpets are in fair condition but show poor detailing on sills and elsewhere
Period-style modern digital radio fitted
We are told that all the buttons and switchgear work correctly
Volkswagen two-spoke steering wheel complements interior and has Porsche centre boss
Underside of dash has exposed wiring and speakers and may warrant tidying
The Mechanics
1584cc air cooled Volkswagen engine appears to have been recently rebuilt
The car has a four speed box but has the wrong gear-knob fitted (shows five gears)
Vendor advises that the engine would benefit from tuning to improve cold running
He also advises that the gear selection is a little vague, which should be a simple fix
He reports that the engine pulls well and does not miss when under load
Last serviced when vendor acquired car in July 2020
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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