About Us
Everyone Must Run Their Own Race
Our Story
They say it's not about the destination, but the journey. If you were to ask us, we'd say it's both false and true. We advocate for running your own race and savoring the journey, yet we acknowledge that arriving in style is equally significant. Take the hare and the tortoise tale: the hare lost due to excessive sleep, while the slow and steady tortoise won. This story holds much truth; sometimes, taking your time is better than simply arriving.
Hello, I'm Wallace Morrison. I founded this website out of my love for Speedsters and Roadsters. Since 2001, I've owned several roadsters and cafe racer motorcycles, which I adore. Vintage is where my passion lies. Currently, I'm building my first speedster. I'm no expert—there's too much to learn for that—but I am skilled at learning from both mistakes and successes. I enjoy life and aim to assist others in this industry. To start, I'm listing kits, products, and reputable companies that I trust. Will your experience mirror mine? Possibly not. Will you disagree with some content here? Perhaps. Or, you might find that your experiences align with mine. I can't cater to everyone, but I can offer the best advice I have and recommend products and services known for their excellence. Let's enjoy this journey together!
The Hare and The Tortoise's Significance
The fable of the Hare and the Tortoise, attributed to Aesop, is well-known. Its central message is clear: "Slow and steady wins the race." At times, one may wish to relax and savor the surroundings, while at other times, one may desire to race down the road. Everything has its place. On this platform, opinions on roadsters and speedsters are divided. Some prefer to enjoy a leisurely drive, while others seek to maximize their car's performance with greater power and minimal weight.
THE TORTOISE : THE ROADSTER
There's no doubt about it: roadster owners can certainly challenge speedster owners, perhaps even outperform them on the streets. The primary distinction lies in their classification. Roadsters are typically equipped with windows and luxury features like cruise control and removable hardtops, which might lead some to categorize them as coupes when the tops are on, although technically, they cannot be since the tops are detachable. The Mazda Miata stands as the quintessential roadster and the best-selling one of all time. It's an open soft-top two-seater with manual transmission and a front-mounted engine. The engine placement is mentioned last as it's not crucial; roadsters can have front, rear, or mid-engines. The essential characteristics are the open top, two seats, rear-wheel drive, and manual transmission. Unlike the tortoise, roadsters such as the base Miata, MGs, Triumphs, and Austin Healeys are designed for leisurely enjoyment of the sun and the road. Originally, roadsters were not intended for racing, but some models have been enhanced with significant power, exceeding 400hp, and are track-focused. Pursuing roadster ownership is always a worthy endeavor. If you've never driven a roadster, consider visiting a local Mazda dealership for a test drive to discover their appeal. You might also know someone who can offer you the joy of a roadster. An open mind is essential to appreciate these vehicles, beyond just horsepower and torque.
THE HARE : THE SPEEDSTER
Witnessing a rabbit or hare in full sprint is an experience not to be missed. Their speed is astonishing, and they launch into motion with complete abandon. Hares rely on instinct, making them incredibly challenging to catch on foot due to their agility and unpredictability. Capturing a hare requires an animal with exceptional abilities. The concept of a speedster car follows a similar principle. You start by reducing your roadster's weight, stripping away non-essential components like windows, the AC and heating unit, radio, cruise control, airbags, and more. After lightening the vehicle, you then increase its power. With less weight and more power, and without side or front windows (though a windscreen is added), you're directly exposed to the elements. Even at 45mph, the sensation is akin to traveling over 65mph with the wind against your face. The ethos of a speedster is comparable to that of a cafe racer or chopper: reduced weight, increased power, and a pure adrenaline rush. However, the primary concern with a speedster is safety, particularly the absence of airbags and limited roll protection. Typically, the only safety feature in a true speedster is a four- or five-point harness. While we don't advocate for removing airbags or foregoing roll bars, we're simply outlining what constitutes an authentic speedster. For enthusiasts eager to build a speedster, it's advisable to retain a regular vehicle for daily use. Without a roof or windows, you're essentially driving a four-wheeled motorcycle, so having a daily driver is practical. A reliable daily roadster can be found on the market for around $3,000. Whether for the speedster or the roadster, you'll end up with two impressive vehicles.
THE HY-STER
The Roadster and Speedster have minimal differences. While the distinction between the two has been somewhat blurred historically and continues to be so, I have endeavored to differentiate them as clearly as possible. Nonetheless, it is conceivable to construct a Speedster that retains its bare-bones essence while incorporating a few luxuries, such as a sound system and a theft deterrent system, thereby creating a hybrid-type car, or "Hy-ster." This concept may raise some debate among purists, but I maintain that the "Hy-ster" can be a legitimate concept.