Speedster builders kit
kitman 356 a Speedster Base replica kit
The Kitman 356 a Speedster Base replica kit is available on either a VW pan-based platform, or on our custom tube chassis. The body comes in black gel coat and includes two doors, hood, deck lid, under dash closeout, front and rear bumpers, and hinges for the doors, hood and deck lid (included but not mounted) Available in LHD and RHD.
While the kit can be bought without a chassis, we recommend our Subframe at a minimum ( subframe can be built on your own ), This sub frame is also the guide for you to shorten a VW pan.
A full tube chassis is also available and recommended for higher performance applications.
All components are available as a kit or can be sold individually. The total weight of the KitMan Speedster is 290 lbs.
In September of 1954 Porsche introduced the 356 Speedster to the American marketplace. The light weight, bare to the bones example of the 356 line of automobiles soon became an American racer-boy icon, often winning SCCA races in stock trim. Fifty-eight years later, our introduction of the Kitman 356 Speedster faithfully reproduces Dr. Porsche’s original design while introducing innovation and state of the art engineering to the reproduction marketplace.
Kitman 356 a Speedster Base replica kits are set up to utilize a stock VW ball joint beam in the front and a stock VW IRS transaxle in the rear. Air-cooled VW motors are the standard, but the 2.2L Subaru motor is also a great option on these lightweight cars. All glass, trim, suspension, etc. are available over the counter. We do offer a comprehensive parts list with part numbers and vendors making it easy for you to source your parts at your leisure.
NOTE: KitMan Motors provides a parts lists for customers to reference and fulfill at their own pace. We can provide a starting point with a framework of part numbers, vendors, etc, but these cars are based on being built to the individual customers specifications for their intended use of the vehicle. We do not monitor pricing with all of these vendors due to international supply chain issues and the difficulty to update regularly and accurately.
Chassis options
2 Chassis options, or make your own
hard top or soft
The choice is yours. hard top kit available
best for DIY
Your in control, Best option for the experienced builder
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| Feature |
| Engine Location XS |
| Drive Type XS |
| Production for 1956-1959 XS |
| Seating Capacity XS |
| Feature | SPECIFICATION |
|---|---|
| Engine Location | REAR |
| Drive Type | REAR |
| Production for 1956-1959 | 20541 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
Shipping options
Shipping calculated after order, email today for a domestic or international freight quote.
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Tube Chassis
Turn key Tube Chassis, No cutting or welding required.
Tube chassis built from VW based components and ready for high performance.
Speedster Tube Chassis
The KitMan Motors custom tube chassis frame for our KitMan Coupe and Speedster uses a standard ball joint beam in the front and a modified VW IRS torsion assembly in the rear. The pan resembles a reinforced VW Beetle pan using a standard VW pedal assembly, has guide tubes for the clutch and accelerator tubes built into the reinforced tunnel. This frame is engineered to take a little more motor for our customers that enjoy pushing their cars a little harder. The floor is made of 16 gauge steel and the total weight of the KitMan tube chassis is 280 lbs.
Sub frame
Use on shortened VW pan chassis
Sub frame + VW Pan Chassis
This custom 3 piece sub-frame marries our Coupe and Speedster bodies to a modified VW pan using existing bolt on points of attachment. The pan needs to be reduced from 94.5 in (2400 mm) to an 82.7 in (2100 mm) wheel base. The total weight of the 3 piece Kitman sub-frame is 135 lbs.
Bolts directly to a shortened VW pan, no welding required.
Front and Rear bumper rails included.