1955 PORSCHE 550 Replica by Beck USA

A beautifully presented Porsche 550RS Spyder replica built by Beck in the United States, finished in classic silver with the unmistakable proportions of Porsches early Rennsport cars. Believed to be a late 1990s build, this Generation 2 Beck Spyder captures the shape, stance and engineering character of the original 550RS Porsches first purpose built racing sports car, famous for its lightweight construction, mid engine balance and giant killing performances at events such as Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana.
With only around ninety original 550s ever built, their rarity and value have made faithful recreations the only practical way to experience the driving character of these early competition machines. Beck is widely regarded as the most authentic interpreter of the 550 concept, praised for its accuracy in scale, proportions and engineering fundamentals. In a December 2016 Thoroughbred & Classic Cars column, Gordon Murray highlighted the Beck Spyder as an example of a replica that gets the essentials right, noting that when the proportions and engineering are true to the original, the driving experience follows.
This example embodies that philosophy. It features the correct rear mid mounted layout, rather than the rear engine configuration found in some other replicas, paired with a 1600cc Volkswagen Type 1 flat four, dual Solex carburettors and electronic ignition. The suspension mirrors the originals torsion bar and swing arm components, and the lightweight fibreglass body is lined with aluminium for an authentic competition car feel. Period correct gauges, a banjo steering wheel and 15 inch wheels complete the presentation, with a matching spare included.
Imported into Australia in 2006 with 24,197 km showing, the car was purchased by the current family in 2010 from Alex Holland Fine Art and Classic Cars at 25,700 km. It now shows just 30,425 km, reflecting only around 4,700 km of use in more than fifteen years. It has been registered in NSW and is currently registered in Queensland.
During its current ownership, the car has been thoughtfully improved. Kirkey racing seats were installed along with structural bracing for harness mounting. The original red seats will also accompany the sale. A removable soft top is included, along with a removable head fairing. Practical upgrades include a battery cut off switch and remote charging lead so the battery can be charged without opening the rear clamshell. A comprehensive brake overhaul was completed in October 2019, including new front calipers and pads, new rear slave cylinders and pads and a new master cylinder with stainless sleeve.
On the road, the car delivers the wonderfully intimate, lightweight feel that made the original 550 such a formidable competitor. The low seating position, open cockpit and direct controls create a vivid connection with the road, while the air cooled flat four revs eagerly through the dual carbs. The VW boxer engine shares the same horizontally opposed configuration as the original 550s air cooled flat four, giving the car a sound and character that feel close to the early Porsche engines. Its compact dimensions and mid engine balance make it exceptionally agile, a car that feels made for winding mountain roads.
This Beck Spyder offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the visual drama and heritage of Porsches early racing era in a form that is approachable, usable and mechanically simple. With its correct layout, low kilometres, documented Australian history and long term ownership, it stands out as an especially appealing example of the 550RS concept, from a builder Gordon Murray has publicly praised for its authenticity.