1956 SPEEDSTER

This Speedster started restoration as a very clean original car. It is being restored in the original color combination (Aqua Marine Blue Metallic with red interior) and outfitted with Rudge Knockoff wheels which we restored.

Below are some of the latest pictures. We are doing all repairs and panel fitting on this car with lead as they were originally. This process is much more expensive because of the added time involved. While it is not necessarily difficult, it can be done incorrectly.  Even when done correctly, the use of lead as a filler has specific problems that are hard to prevent (click here for info. on lead vs. polyester filler).

(click any image for a larger version)

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PRIMING and PAINTING

The metalwork is completed and the body is ready for primer. First a very durable epoxy primer is liberally applied to the complete underbody to seal the metal. Afterwards the outer body is masked off and sprayed with a primer surfacer.

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The primer surfacer acts as a filler for block sanding. All blocksanding is done with the panels attached to the body with all rubber seals and latches in place.

After painting  the undercoating is applied and the assembly work begins.
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The Rudge wheels were restored by us using our specially made stainless rivets. The wheels themselves are expensive and hard to find. The restoration alone of a complete set including all straightening, engraving of the spinner logo, chrome plating, replacement of rivets and painting of the back side in the correct ivory color can easily cost over $5000.

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ORANGE COAST INVITATIONAL CONCOURSE OCT. 7, 2001

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After hours of preparation the 56 Speedster is ready for Concours competition at the Orange Coast Concourse (formally the Newporter). Making the 125 mile round trip journey to San Juan Capistrano as its maiden voyage, it drove flawlessly and won 1st place in the Porsche class followed by Rick Johnson's equally stunning 56 Speedster in 2nd (see picture gallery). Rick also drove his car to the event. No "trailer queens" in this group! At WAR we build cars to perform flawlessly on the road as well.