Beschreibung
Porsche 356 Speedster replica by Covin Performance Mouldings. Built by me, first registered 1st July 1991, and used in the dry regularly from then until 2005, when a forced job change meant a move to London, when the car was garaged, and hasn’t been used regularly since. So it is going to need work. At least a brake re-con and five new tyres – and whatever else turns up. Also, it has developed a petrol leak – just a bit of iffy hose near the tank, but it will need replacing. Oh, and the wiper switch is broken and the dash could do with re-trimming. It hasn’t been modified to run on unleaded, so it requires 4-star (Redex do an additive for unleaded which works just fine). If all that hasn’t put you right off, continue reading to see what’s good ...
Covin Speedsters are rare and a bit special. They have the big advantage of NOT using a floppy Beetle floorpan or running gear. Instead there is a purpose-built chassis frame bonded into the body, which makes it very rigid. The running gear (steering rack and front and rear suspension) comes from the VW Type 3, and the engine is the ‘suitcase’ engine from the Type 4 Variant, driving through a Type 4 Variant gearbox. Originally a 1700cc engine, this was modified (by Tony Thurston of Microgiant, Rayleigh, Essex) with 96mm barrels/ pistons taking it to 1991cc, 9:1 CR, Eurorace 'C' grind cam, solid steel push rods, swivel-foot tappets, rocker shaft spacers, machined and gas-flowed (by Paul Dunnell of Dunnell Engines, Stowmarket, Suffolk), and racing profile valves and seats. Fuelling is via dual Dellorto DRLA36 twin-choke downdraft carburettors. The exhaust is standard – I fitted a so-called ‘extractor’, which sounded better, but actually restricted the breathing and reduced the performance, so off it came. It goes pretty well and is lots of fun!
It is painted Porsche ‘Heron Grey’, which is a classic 1950s Porsche colour; the interior – not leather – is red, with a black duck hood, side screens, and full tonneau.
Included in the sale is a dismantled spare 1700cc engine, the extractor exhaust, and an assortment of bits and pieces, including assorted tin ware and a set of 1700cc barrels and pistons.
Every summer for the past 6 years or so I have been promising myself that I will get this car back on the road, but I have now finally accepted that it is not going to happen – so it is up for sale.
The photographs below were taken a while ago when the car was still in regular use. Having been garaged for some 12 years it looks less glamorous now, although a bit of TLC will soon sort that out. Note that the front fog lights have since been removed – they spoilt the purity of line!
