The Surprising Speedster

The Speedster's driving position is just fine, with Grand Prix car vision and an ideally raked steering wheel. The disconcerting feature of all power steering is its remote feeling of feather-lightness, rather akin to turning on ice. This calls for a kid glove touch that takes some of the fun out of driving. Also, front leg room in the Speedster is adequate only with the seat moved fully back (four inches), providing 20 inches between seat edge and pedals.

The instruments, rounded in sports car style, are set in a panel of engine-turned stainless steel and include a 160-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tachometer—a gratifying measure of optimism! The pillarless hard-top body is upholstered in cream leather and finished (optionally) in two-tone green and mustard or ivory and charcoal gray. However, the Speedster's $3,809 price tag obviously disregards anything but a specialized market.

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