550 Specs?
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Oak Park, CA
550 Specs?
My 8 year old son is now obsessed with 550s - an obsession of an 8 year old is beyond description. If you've had an 8 year old though, I think you will know how all encompassing it is.
Anyone know of where I can find performance specs, build numbers and value range on them? I have 20 years of Panos and I'm sure I can find some of it there. But, I have to pull them all out and was hoping for a web site that he can go to.
Oh, and, admittedly, there are two other cars he obsesses over: MG TC and Ginetta G4. I have info on the TC. But, not the Ginetta.
Thanks.
Anyone know of where I can find performance specs, build numbers and value range on them? I have 20 years of Panos and I'm sure I can find some of it there. But, I have to pull them all out and was hoping for a web site that he can go to.
Oh, and, admittedly, there are two other cars he obsesses over: MG TC and Ginetta G4. I have info on the TC. But, not the Ginetta.
Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
Check out the Karl Ludvigsen book called "Porsche Spyders." It's mostly a photo book, but there are a few pages of substantive data also.
PORSCHE SPYDERS: TYPE 550
PORSCHE SPYDERS: TYPE 550
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,051
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From: Alabama
Cool! Actually I think your son will love this book. The first five pages or so contain history and perspective on the 550 Spyders. The next 120 pages are full-page photos (black-and-white, of course) with informative captions.
BTW, Type 550 is unique in that build numbers are not 100% confirmed by the factory. It's widely agreed that 90 of the original 550 were built, but the number of 550A is in question. This is because of poor early record keeping, and the fact that parts were recycled from factory race cars. Methinks there were 55 of Type 550A, making 145 total (give or take a few!).
The photos also confirm that every Spyder was built to order, and was unique. It's much harder (if not literally impossible) to pin down a "correct" Spyder because each car was different.
BTW, Type 550 is unique in that build numbers are not 100% confirmed by the factory. It's widely agreed that 90 of the original 550 were built, but the number of 550A is in question. This is because of poor early record keeping, and the fact that parts were recycled from factory race cars. Methinks there were 55 of Type 550A, making 145 total (give or take a few!).
The photos also confirm that every Spyder was built to order, and was unique. It's much harder (if not literally impossible) to pin down a "correct" Spyder because each car was different.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 289
Likes: 16
From: Santa Cruz
Originally Posted by RJT
My friend is selling his Beck 550 if you want to buy your son (and you too) a really cool present!
Robert
Robert
Does he have any pictures, info I can read? I am considering buying a replica this year.
thanks
Rhino
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,051
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From: Alabama
Rhino, a couple of community forums to browse:
www.spyderclub.com
www.spyderowners.com
My Spyder replica was built by Vintage (vintagespyders.com), an alternative to Beck which some prefer. (This is the Ford/Chevy of the Spyder world.) Ordering a new Vintage is a laborious process, however, with cars sometimes taking a year to be built!
Vancouver, I believe the correct answer to your question is "usually." These cars are typically powered by an air-cooled Type 1 or Type 4, but there are numerous variations & modifications. The good news is that these engines are pretty much bullet proof--and much more easily serviced than a Type 547 4-cam!
www.spyderclub.com
www.spyderowners.com
My Spyder replica was built by Vintage (vintagespyders.com), an alternative to Beck which some prefer. (This is the Ford/Chevy of the Spyder world.) Ordering a new Vintage is a laborious process, however, with cars sometimes taking a year to be built!
Vancouver, I believe the correct answer to your question is "usually." These cars are typically powered by an air-cooled Type 1 or Type 4, but there are numerous variations & modifications. The good news is that these engines are pretty much bullet proof--and much more easily serviced than a Type 547 4-cam!
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Arkansas
Originally Posted by Rhino
Does he have any pictures, info I can read? I am considering buying a replica this year.
thanks
Rhino
thanks
Rhino
If you are interested PM me and I'll give you his phone number etc.
R
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 1
From: Canada
Originally Posted by Sean
Rhino, a couple of community forums to browse:
www.spyderclub.com
www.spyderowners.com
My Spyder replica was built by Vintage (vintagespyders.com), an alternative to Beck which some prefer. (This is the Ford/Chevy of the Spyder world.) Ordering a new Vintage is a laborious process, however, with cars sometimes taking a year to be built!
Vancouver, I believe the correct answer to your question is "usually." These cars are typically powered by an air-cooled Type 1 or Type 4, but there are numerous variations & modifications. The good news is that these engines are pretty much bullet proof--and much more easily serviced than a Type 547 4-cam!
www.spyderclub.com
www.spyderowners.com
My Spyder replica was built by Vintage (vintagespyders.com), an alternative to Beck which some prefer. (This is the Ford/Chevy of the Spyder world.) Ordering a new Vintage is a laborious process, however, with cars sometimes taking a year to be built!
Vancouver, I believe the correct answer to your question is "usually." These cars are typically powered by an air-cooled Type 1 or Type 4, but there are numerous variations & modifications. The good news is that these engines are pretty much bullet proof--and much more easily serviced than a Type 547 4-cam!
