Name: Tom Klingbeil
My car:
1958 Speedster.
Tip-off that a 356 was the car for me:
I saw my first Speedster around 1955 or 56. I imprinted on it
like a baby duck.
My age when I acquired my first 356:
22 (I had to settle for a '56 1300 coupe before the Speedster) and 25
for the Speedster.
Engine type:
What it came with.
Miles driven per year:
As many as possible. I have the trip meter set, I'll let you
know come November.
Favorite destination:
Farm country.
Fantasy road trip:
Taking a long road trip in a Speedster is a fantasy.
Most inconvenient mechanical failure:
Cross my fingers. None.
Car I'd have if I couldn't have a 356:
I owned it and sold it. 1955 Austin Healy 100.
What I like most about my car:
356's are "tactile". In that you want to touch them. It
feels good to dust or polish them.
Most unique feature:
The top. It does nothing to stop rain.
Most recent repair:
Top, bottom, front, back, upside down, back and forth, in and out,
resto.
Longest drive so far:
Before the resto: Naperville to South Beach 1967, Naperville to
Bridgehamton, NY, to watch the Can-Am in 1968. After, the drive to
'07 ECH chasing Tom Funk(what a shake down cruise).
Next project with this car:
Aux. electric fuel pump? There's not much left to do.