Fantasy Junction

Description

Porsche 550 Spyder Replica by Beck
s/n 0022B
Silver with Red Interior

The Porsche 550 Spyder is one of the all time great Porsche racing cars. Among Porsche’s first dedicated race cars (since the 356 was first and foremost a street car), the 550 Spyder removed all doubt about what the small new German sports car company was all about. The 550 consistently gave cars of twice the displacement a run for their money, including a win at the 1956 Targa Florio, which proved that the new company, which was just five years old when the 550 first appeared, was serious about motorsport. If that wasn’t enough, the car was catapulted to stardom when James Dean died at the wheel of his own 550 Spyder in September 1955. Consequently, the 550 is often replicated, and as always, the quality varies widely from manufacturer to manufacturer. The 550’s produced by Chuck Beck are regarded to be the best around, capturing the essence of the original 550, and combining it with robust mechanicals and a range of options to suit owners’ preferences.

This particular car is an early production Beck, having been manufactured in the late 80’s. It has a number of correct period details and a lovely patina that add to the car’s vintage feel and authenticity. The car has 5-lug wheels, period gauges, and period steering wheel. Additionally, it is equipped with disc brakes all round, and has had rebuilds of both the engine and transmission about 5000 miles ago. The engine is a 2332 cc unit engine with 45mm carburetors and fully jet coated exhaust, and dyno’d at 195hp and 158 ft lbs of torque on pump gas! The gearbox is a performance unit with aluminum case and gearing matched to engine and tire size, and the car also has performance half shafts fitted. The total for this work was over $7800, and it was performed in 2006.

While most Becks are recent constructions and are accordingly brand new in appearance, this particular car has a lovely patina that adds further authenticity to the feel of this car. The paint has some chips, scuffs, and a few stress cracks, though it still has great luster. The lights and glass are excellent, as is the trim. The Wendler badge and the Mobil Pegasus add further to the vintage feel, as do the leather straps for the rear clam shell and the center mounted fuel filler with quick release racing cap. The mirror is a vintage type Talbot and is in good shape with some light pitting. The wheels are in excellent shape.

The interior has a lovely patina, with wear visible to both the seats and the carpets. The steering wheel and instruments are vintage items and are in good cosmetic shape, though the speedometer is non operational. The seatbelts are Simpson racing type belts, and the car has a black canvas tonneau cover, but no other weather equipment.

The engine compartment and front compartment are both tidy. The engine is impressive with its large alloy-topped air cleaners, and there is an oil cooler to keep temperatures under control.

The car is an absolute riot to drive, with an excellent power to weight ratio, trouble free gearbox, great brakes, and excellent handling. The engine sounds great, the seating position is low, as is the windscreen, making for a very visceral experience.

This is a great opportunity to acquire an evocative car that represents terrific bang for the buck. Its appearance is striking, its performance is stirring, and its cosmetic patina and unusual number of correct details adds a feel of vintage authenticity that is difficult to find in these replicas. This car is mechanically ready to go, and is a great way to enjoy the feel of vintage motoring at an affordable price. The car is California titled as a 1967 and is smog exempt.

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