Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Beck 904 ‘Wide Body’ Carrera GTS

Chassis No. – 4732914388
Exterior Color – Silver
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 3.8 Liter 993 Porsche twin-plug six-cylinder
Transmission – 5-speed 915 Porsche transaxle
Current Miles – 69 miles

History of Beck and the 904 Carrera GTS

The history of Beck cars dates back to their extensive development of vintage era tribute cars focused on creating vehicles that were easily accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts unable to acquire one of the rare original examples. Known for their 550 and 356 models, Chuck Beck initiated the build process for the 904 with careful engineering considerations, releasing the 904 GTS on a custom order basis with production features including a TIG and spot welded tubular stainless-steel chassis, folded stainless sheet floor, and boxed ladder main frame rails. For the suspension, Beck developed Chevron B-16 inspired independent front and rear coil-over suspension (rear 4-link with parallel trailing arm), CNC billet aluminum uprights, and installed manual rack and pinion steering. The hand laid fiberglass body was bonded to the frame for added structural rigidity and an integral roll bar with optional door bars was integrated into the interior.

The prototype GTS was tested at Road Atlanta running a 3.6-liter engine. Though these cars were offered with a range of engine options including Subaru and VW based flat 4 engines, each owner could specify engine and transmission preferences for their final build. Of particular note, a “wide body” variant was offered which featured an additional 3” of rear fender flare, allowing for the added tire width necessary to maintain adhesion on models outfitted with higher output engines.

History of this Carrera GTS

According to the current owner, this example is one of the first 904 models built and one of the rare wide body variants offered. The original commissioning build was performed by Beck. This example is believed to be one of the earliest 904 GTS models built and quite possibly the first wide body 904 constructed. Built with a dry sump 3.8-liter Porsche 993 twin-plug engine, fuel-injection, and 5-speed 915 Porsche transaxle, this wide body 904 was completed with track day specifications and used minimally by the first owner for a few track-day events and occasional street use.

Current Condition

Today this Beck 904 Carrera GTS presents as a professionally finished car with mechanical integrity and exterior cosmetics consistent with minimal use since it was completed. The silver paint has been smoothly applied over the hand laid fiberglass body panels which exhibit good fit and finish throughout the iconic 904 low-profile body lines. The additionally widened rear fender flares (exclusive to the wide body design) have been formed to accommodate the massive rear wheels yet still match the smaller front flares giving the car an impressive stance. The glass windshield, clear plastic sliding side panes, and plexiglass rear window are all in excellent condition. A set of matching staggered width Fuchs style three-piece wheels with Toyo Proxes R888 215/40ZR17 front and 315/35 40ZR17 rear race tires with aluminum Brembo red finished calipers perched over four-wheel disc brakes. Competition touches include clear plexiglass covered headlights, aluminum engine vent screen, dual chrome racing mirrors, and a set of Hella yellow lens fog lamps.

The cockpit is very well laid out finished with black vinyl door trim, felt-lined rear bulkhead, and integrated rollbar. The dashboard features an instrument pod outfitted with three large-dial Porsche VDO black and green gauges including an 8k tachometer, 180 mph speedometer, and multi-gauge cluster. The dash continues across the passenger area with a series of labeled switches and contemporary VDO small dial gauges. A set of black vinyl seats are outfitted with Crow racing harnesses. A padded quick release steering wheel features a Porsche center crest and mounts cleverly in reverse configuration for added driver arm length. The interior delivers a purposeful no-frills, ready for action presentation, in keeping with the original commissioned build for a capable track day car.

Raising the rear section of the car, the simplicity and effectiveness of the sophisticated Chevron B-16 inspired independent suspension, stainless-steel tubular frame, and twin-plug 993 3.8-liter engine create a very impressive visual statement. The engine is outfitted with a dry sump oil system using an aluminum oil tank and remote oil filter. The engine is mated to a 5-speed 915 Porsche transaxle and the 12-volt system uses an Optima battery and alternator. The front is accessible via a hinged hood which reveals an aluminum foam-filled fuel cell and fluid reservoirs. The underside reveals further details of the lightweight construction, independent coil-over A-arm suspension, and componentry consistent with the build performed by Chuck Beck.

This Beck 904 Carrera GTS presents an excellent opportunity to acquire a professionally built and properly prepared example crafted by the premier builder of the iconic 904 in tribute to the original configuration. Although this car has been formerly prepared for track day use, we highly recommend a professional shop with racing car prep history inspect this car and properly prepare it before use in a competition setting.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608