The Fixer

I am thinking of buying a 2005 Speedster, I really love his 904 replica and 550.
Does anyone know anybody with a Beck Speedster?, i would imagine they are a nice alternative at a fraction of the price

jonw

I saw one parked outside a Porsche event a couple of years back in all its plastic/VW glory and to his credit the owner was very forthcoming about explaining that it wasn't a Porsche.

I guess I'm in the camp of "there is no substitute". If you like Porsche 356s and don't want to pay for an open car, I would go for a real Porsche 356 coupe. I think you'll come out better financially, unless you buy a rusty project and go the restoration route. The real ones are special, timeless cars. Definitely worth saving up and buying right.

My two pfenning...

points

Buy real. There is no substitute.

mrm 930

I almost pulled the trigger on an Intermeccanica. Excellent - but not the real thing. I will look for a 356 coupe to convert into an outlaw.

My vote is for the real

pdqcarrera

Hacking up a coupe to create an outlaw is better (more real, more pure, less blasphemous, etc., etc.) than a 100% aftermarket creation? Hmmmmmm....

vracer

Do some real soul searching. If YOU will be happy with the raw wind in your hair driving experience, and you won't feel bad telling people that it is a copy/repro, then get a USED one, and have fun for a couple of years. Or get a good 914??

jonw

The 914 idea is an outstanding one. Then you have the real deal, no excuses, possible value appreciation, bulletproof car and a decent value because these haven't followed the early 911S prices through the roof yet.

Any fake/repro is going to require excuses and footnotes, and not deliver any aspect of Porsche ownership or the genuine driving experience. It may deceive the general public, but as a driver you always know what you're driving.

I would put a real 914, or a real Lotus Elise, miles ahead of a fake Speedster. Plus you get something better than 1950s safety features.

Turb-OH Brad

I'm not one to really care what other people think of my car. I drive what is fun.

I've driven a few of Beck's creations, and the speedster is quite fun. Were it me, I'd probably choose the spyder or the 904, but the speedster is a good drive.

I'd take any of Beck's amazing cars over a 914. Provides 99% of the driving experience of a classic speedster at about 1/10th of the cost.

Mike_A

Everybody has at least one opinion, it's what makes the world go 'round. I would be more inclined to reccomend the 550. My original 356 is fun and a sound investment. My Beck 550 is more fun , a whole bunch quicker with a Type I , 2 liter and just maybe will garner the same % return when time to sell, who knows? They both draw lots of attention. FWIW, in the Porsche parking corral at the fall LimeRock ALMS, nobody was looking at the GT3s, nor the 356s...they were two deep around 2 so-so Beck 550s.

Mike_A

oops...i forgot

Turkertwo

I have been facinated with Porsche racing cars from an early age. A visit to the area around Gmund, Austria in 2003 made me decide upon returning to acquire a road going Porsche (a 911). Porsche is one of the great stories of a family automotive business that this planet can boast.
But the Beck story is not that different. The Beck operation displays a passion for sports cars and I think their products are a great option for us car nuts.

Mike_A

Mercedes 356....??? Who knew?

points

^^^ I did not know till today.

Jerome76

i think you have to talk to your near car's orthopedic surgeon(garage person)
they have a good nearby contacts or just find it on olx or other sites

sweet928

I've wanted a Beck 550 for years. I don't care that it's not real. Real is unobtainable for most and even if you could pay @3 million for it - would you ever feel comfortable to push it, let alone drive it?

There is something to be said about a reproduction that delivers 99% of the fun and a fraction of the cost. Seems the Beck's are good investments, esp used, and hold their value very well.

FWIW, I have a mint 928 and it's an incredible bang for the buck too.