2026 Starke Speedster Gen 2
By Lorenzo Bianchi January 31, 2026
Coachbuilt body over a modern 718 platform preserves classic style with current safety and comfort.
Multiple modern powertrain choices and manual or paddle-shift transmissions are offered.
Each Speedster is handcrafted to order with deep personalization and defined delivery timelines.
A classic shape grounded in modern engineering
The 2026 Starke Speedster Gen 2 arrives with a clear premise: deliver the visual romance of mid-century sports cars without the compromises that typically follow. Stärke Motor Company positions the Gen 2 as its most advanced Speedster yet, built to capture the spirit of 1950s open-top motoring while relying on contemporary engineering beneath the surface.
Rather than a ground-up vintage recreation, the Speedster uses the 2017-and-newer 718 platform as its foundation. That decision defines the car’s proportions and stance. Although the low cowl, short overhangs, and small wheelbase feel true to the era it alludes to, the underlying structure guarantees the rigidity and predictability that are lacking from true classics. The body itself is hand-sculpted and engineered using 3D scanning and CAD to fit precisely over the modern chassis.
Powertrain options focused on choice, not nostalgia
Stärke offers a range of modern engines, allowing buyers to tailor the Speedster’s character. Choices include a 2.0-litre turbocharged flat-four producing 300 horsepower, a 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-four with 350 horsepower, or a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six rated at 394 horsepower. Transmission options mirror the donor platform, with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed paddle-shift unit available.
Importantly, the drivetrain, suspension, and crash structure carry over directly from the 718. This includes advanced driver assistance systems when specified with original exterior mirrors. The result is a car that drives and responds like a contemporary sports car, rather than one filtered through retro compromise.
Interior comfort designed for daily use
Inside, the Gen 2 Speedster avoids the stripped-back approach common in restomod interpretations. All modern interior features from the donor platform are retained. Heated seats, a heated steering wheel, full power accessories, and a power soft top are standard inclusions, reinforcing the idea that this is meant to be driven regularly, not preserved.
The cabin layout benefits from modern ergonomics, while material choices and color combinations are dictated by the buyer. Stärke emphasizes usability alongside visual character, positioning the Speedster as a practical alternative to both vintage cars and conventional modern sports cars.
Handcrafted personalization as the defining feature
Each 2026 Starke Speedster Gen 2 is built to order. Clients can specify exterior paint, interior materials, wheels, drivetrains, and fine details during the design process. The company states clearly that no two cars are alike, a claim supported by its low-volume, coachbuilt approach.
Orders are open now, with pricing starting at $135,000 when a donor car is supplied. A hands-free option, priced from $189,000, allows Stärke to source the donor vehicle. Typical delivery is estimated at six months, depending on specification.
Positioned for enthusiasts seeking something different
The Gen 2 Speedster occupies a narrow but intentional space. It is not a replica, nor a conventional restomod. Instead, it targets enthusiasts drawn to classic design who want modern reliability, safety, and performance without the friction of vintage ownership. In that balance, the Speedster Gen 2 defines its purpose clearly.