RJMDAD996

Amigos, I am currently looking into obtaining a 1957 550 Spyder with 11K miles and it is simply flawless, the dealership is a rep P-Car dealer that I have done business is the past with. This GEM is a true Beck, not a cheap copy. The engine and power were awesome and the exhaust sounds better than my 03 Targa with my Fabspeed exhaust. They are asking 28K and they will provide me with a two year warranty. My question is this: Are there any know problems and or bugs with the 57 550 ? I couldn't find anything on them. I truly fel in love with this beauty.. Take a look see.... Any and all comments are welcome.

evo_333

wow.. the 550 is a beautiful car

Neighbor

Two words - Get it! I've always wanted one. The power to weight ratio is hard to beat. Nice and pure Just like the good Doctor intended.

gr8330

If it is flawless with 11k miles and they want 28k with 2 year warranty I would check it out very carefully. I IMHO would think a person could get more than 28k. I'm not trying to scare you and I'm probably off base but right or wrong that’s my thought. I hope it works out for you it sure looks good.

riozilla

I would ask at www.spyderowners.com and at www.spyderclub.com -- these are the two sites where Spyder owners go.

I also looked extensively at a Beck 550 about a year ago -- I found that 25K - 35K was the going rate for a used one considering that they take 12-18 months to get a new one if you order it.

There are also a few dealers that specialize in 550 Becks, but I don't have their info handy on this computer I am at.

I would definitely get it if it checks out. I am jealous.

Sean

I have a Vintage 550. Vintage Spyders is a competitor to Beck (I won't say which is preferred...it's a Ford/Chevy thing).

As suggested, Spyderowners and Spyderclub are great resources.

My "off the cuff" thoughts:

It's an incredible head-turner. You can park a GT3, Ferrari Modena, a Lambo, and a 550 side-by-side, and people will choose this one every time. The styling is timeless and gorgeous. It makes people smile.

If you've got the bigger engine, it's very fast. Mine has 180HP in a 1300 pound car. Great power/weight ratio.

It's raspy and LOUD. Best exhaust note in town. You'll get thumbs up from the Harley guys.

Steering is edgy through the corners. I go fast in a straight line, but never even THINK of approaching the handling limits. That's because...

It's not a safe car. I wear a vintage 50s helmet with mine (painted to match). But still, even with a five-point harness, it's not a safe car. The thing is lower than a snowsled.

It's not practical. I know of one person who uses hers as a daily driver (a woman, no less!). But without a top, A/C, heater, windows, etc. it is a bare, raw driving experience.

It's a replica, with all the pros/cons. If you want to buy an original vintage Porsche, you might look at a 356 coupe. But then you have to deal with the rust, squeaks & rattles, reliability issues, etc. of a fifty-year old car. If you want an original 550 Spyder, you have to shell out a million bucks.... So the Spyder is probably the most prized replica out there. There are far fewer Spyders on the road than say, Cobras (not to disparage the latter). They are pretty much bulletproof.

Take her for a drive, reasearch on the listed websites, and follow your gut.

RevUrGT3

What a beautiful car, get it!!!

chris walrod

I would like to hear more thoughts on the 550 replica cars as well. I have always wanted one and some day would love to own one. I realize they are not safe, by todays standards, or even '50's standards

Anyone else have experience with these? I have seen a few -phlat6- installs as well. That would be a rocket---

Myk

That's the best looking car you can get for 28k! Have you thought about buying new? It's not that much more . . .

http://www.chuckbeckmotorsports.com/#

I've seen them up close - really terrific looking. if you get it, let us know your impressions. I've thought about getting one many times.

riozilla

Buying new takes a very long time... I have heard as much as 18 months due to the queue of orders and the time it takes to make them. I have also heard buying a slightly used, broken-in Beck 550 is the way to go .. works out the gremlins, etc and you get instant gratification.

RJMDAD996

Thanks for the feddback gents, I am going for a long test drive today, once I leave my clients NYC location. I will update you all on my thoughts.

bavarian

I owned one of the Beck manufactured cars (they are also sold as kits) about 5 years ago, and I had a mixed experience with mine. It was a beauty and lots of fun, but the handling is borderline dangerous, especially with the more powerful (>150 hp) engines. The suspension is unforgiving. I also had problems with stalling. In my opinion, you are spending way too much for a used car. I looked into buying a brand new one two years ago, and the factory had several coming up within a 4 month period. For some reason, people are now paying too much on Ebay for used cars with limited options. If you search on google you can find the manufacturer's website. They are very helpful. With all the options, including top, special lights, steering wheel, bigger engine etc. they are in the 32-35k range. I would buy another one if I just wanted it as an occasional toy.

rideau

You may want to check out Kevin Jeanette's Gunnar Racing. http://www.gunnarracing.com/. Kevin has had a lengthy and successful Porsche racing career and has some fabulous cars for sale. I do know he recently built 6 Beck Spyders in various states of tune for some of his customers....perhaps one of them is for sale now. Check out his project list for pics...if Kevin built it, it will be right.
Good luck

UberXY

Wait for Superformance to produce Beck's 904. A thing of great beauty.

Steve
99 996
76 930
64 356C (race)
64 356C (restoration)

Toreador

I have one that's been in "production" with Greg Leach of Vintage Spyders since 11/13/03 (yes 2003) and Greg tells me he might have it ready this summer.
New ones take forever!
Also, the frame of Vintage is better than Beck's
These things are awsome. Extremely light, and the weight to power ratio just plain ridiculous,