Speedsters Team 
FROM DOVE TO MADE-TO-ORDER: WHY I'M READY FOR A BESPOKE 356 SPEEDSTER
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO DOVE
She’s my Porsche 356 Speedster replica—built decades ago with charm, soul, and just enough squeaks to remind you she’s not from this century. She’s not fast, she’s not flawless, and she certainly isn’t practical. But she’s been my joy on countless Sunday mornings, twisting through country lanes with the top down, wind (and bugs) in my hair, and the unmistakable feeling that I’m starring in my own black-and-white film.
But lately… I’ve been thinking about an upgrade. Not a replacement—an evolution.
THE LOVE AFFAIR WITH A LEGEND The Love Affair with a Legend
If you’ve ever driven a 356 Speedster replica, you’ll know the feeling. It’s not about horsepower. It’s not even about handling (although it’s better than you’d think). It’s about presence. That low-slung body, the iconic silhouette, the way people wave at you like you’ve just driven out of a time capsule.
Dove has given me years of joy. But she’s also given me her fair share of quirks. Leaky seals. An interior that’s best described as “weathered elegance.” And a heater that works on a prayer and a firm nudge.
Still, I’ve never wanted a modern car. I’ve wanted this car, just… a bit better.
ENTER THE DREAM: A BESPOKE-BUILT SPEEDSTER
I stumbled across Speedsters.com and their bespoke 356 Speedster builds—and let’s just say, it was love at first scroll. These aren’t kit cars in someone’s garage. These are hand-built beauties crafted by the folks at Vintage Motorcars—people who’ve been at it for over 30 years.
You choose your specs. Your paint. Your leather. Your soul, basically.
The standard package? Air-cooled 2332 cc engine, 5-lug disc brakes, VDO gauges, vintage wheels, wood steering wheel, and—thank the heavens—heated seats or proper ducted heat. (Goodbye, gloves and gilet. Hello, functional luxury.)
It’s a modern build wrapped in a classic skin – which should give me that same grin-per-mile ratio that made me fall in love with Dove in the first place.
I'M NOT REPLACING DOVE - SHE'S FAMILY
Let me be clear: Dove isn’t going anywhere. She’s part of the story. She got me here. She might get a quieter life—tucked under a soft cover, polished on Sundays, only coming out when the weather is just right. No real change there then!
But this new bespoke Speedster? That’s the next chapter. It’s the car I’d design if I could go back in time and commission Ferry Porsche himself, but with the benefit of today’s craftsmanship and comfort.
And yes, I already know what colour I want.
CONCLUSION: THE NEXT CHAPTER IN A LIFELONG LOVE STORY
I always thought nostalgia was enough—but now I realise I can have nostalgia and precision engineering. Style and reliability. Old-school charm with new-school heat.
So, here’s to the future—one that looks suspiciously like the past – but drives like a dream.
And if you see a fresh Speedster zipping past with a beaming driver and a suspiciously contented look… it might just be me.
Andrew C
This article was written by Andrew C – a proud Porsche enthusiast who’s been captivated by the timeless beauty and spirit of the Porsche 356 Speedster for many years.