CHASSIS
The CSW 356 Speedster replica car is built on a completely custom chassis that uses 2 X 4 tube steel for the rails and cross-members and 1/8 inch steel plate for the floor, firewall, front wheel wells and trunk. This chassis is tremendously strong and the extra weight associated with it is easily handled by either of the engines offered as standard.
More pictures of the chassis can be found on the Photos page.
The use of a custom chassis has a number of advantages over the VW chassis used in most other replicas of the 356 Speedster:
- Freedom from the design constraints imposed by using of a chassis originally built for a totally different vehicle
- increased stiffness to eliminate twisting associated with higher hp engines
- Safer due to the overall strength of the steel tubing and steel plate floor and firewall. This provides greater protection in any impacts.
- Greater flexibility to install updated suspension and steering systems
- Greater flexibility with respect to engine/transmission options