DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

but how do I tell a real one?

I'm completely uneducated about 356s - and I'm not looking to buy one - but when I see one, how do I know it's not a 'tribute' one?

I'd like to be able to tell.

Assume I respect the property of the owner and therefore it's a strictly hands-off, outside the car experience, but nice and close-up with some leaning-in if the roof's off.

And it's the only one, so I can't make a direct comparison.

And it's in good condition, so no obvious rust or GRP crazing.

Are there any basic give aways?

Thanks,

Carl

The most obvious visual sign is the height between the indicators and headlamps.

Look at the distance (note how close they are) of the real Mccoy



Now look at a replica (in this case a Chesil)

Looking at the tax disc for the manufacture would probably work most of the time.

Regards

Neil

Two great answers - thanks.

I thought about the tax disc thing, but the last '356' I saw (and as we've established, I can't tell the real ones), had it's tax disc locked in the glovebox while it was parked with the roof down for display.

The gap between lights thing is a cracker - I'll look forwards for trying it out when I get chance.

Any more?

Most real Speedsters are left hand drive - only a handfull of right hand drive examples exist.

Plus the hand brake on a replica is down by the tunnel in the more common location of most cars - A real 356 has the hand brake in a more Mercedes under dash fashion.

Hope that helps

The vast majority of (but not all) 356 replicas are based on the Speedster model so other models (coupe, cabriolet, roadster) are almost certain to be originals.

If we're just talking about Speedster models, as well as the differences already mentioned, another giveaway is the central tunnel - since most replicas are built around shortened VW floorpans the 'tunnel' has a rounded top :



whereas an original has a squarer top to the 'tunnel':

Oh, I'm really pleased I asked now - I love this stuff.

Flat tunnels, close lights, handbrake position - I'll be a 356 bluffer before you know it!

Most replicas also have 4 stud rather than 5 stud wheels as the builders (certainly chesil factory cars) don't go the expense of switching to the earlier hubs. So 8 slots in the chrome wheels rather than the correct 10.

Be warned that non-Chesil's tend to have their headlamps lower and closer to original car position (Chesil moved them to meet C&U)

Oh, and a registration plate with a letter suffix is also a give away. Mine (pictured above by Bootsy in an earlier incarnation) now has a 3 letter 3 number plate.

The obvious feature on mine is the Chesil manufacturer badge and the lack of Porsche badging Though most badge them to the hilt

As already mentioned nearly all replicas are speedsters, I've personally not seen or heard of a coupe replica.
So if its just speedster reps then a couple of good ones already mentioned - the centre tunnel and the handbrake, which should have one like this -



mounted under the dash, rather than a centre tunnel mounted one

Also, look for things like steering wheels, the original ones are expensive and rare, so if its got a porsche one rather than a nardi or non-porsche one then its another clue that it might be an original. Radios/speakers - not many would butcher an original to put in the latest ICE system. Finally have a look at things like the pedals, the original porsche pedal box is different from reps - see the earlier pics

James

James - here's a 356 (outlaw) coupe replica (it's been owned by various DDK members) :

Cheers Andy - what I should have put in my original post was a replica coupe that is 'mass' produced by a company available to buy either as a kit or turnkey such as chesil etc
I have seen a couple of individual outlaw creations (like the one pictured) that were usually individual owner's labors of love!

58A - 71E wrote:Cheers Andy - what I should have put in my original post was a replica coupe that is 'mass' produced by a company available to buy either as a kit or turnkey such as chesil etc
I have seen a couple of individual outlaw creations (like the one pictured) that were usually individual owner's labors of love!

That Coupe was produced by Martin and Walker and they made afew of them. Not sure if they still do? Barry?

Bootsy wrote:That Coupe was produced by Martin and Walker and they made afew of them. Not sure if they still do? Barry?

Didn't realise that, I looked on their website and wasnt sure if they were actually producing any
as it always says "under construction", I'm guessing that must refer to the webpage not the car

Barrie still has the moulds...

there is also the other rule of thumb.......9 times out of 10, it WILL be a copy


basically, with a speedster, always pressume its a fake......if it turns out its not, then its just a pleasent surprise