Inspired by the Porsche 356 designed by Ferry Porsche, the low slung 550 Spyder was designed and created purely to go racing! With ample mid-engine power and a lightweight body, its success at the track allowed for Porsche to be a force at the track for years to come! It took its first win during the World Championship race at Targa Florio, Italy in 1956. A 45-mile-long endurance course, that requires 11 laps, that Porsche cars would dominant for the next 15 years winning 10 of 15 races .....
held there! Built for only 4 years (1953-1956), it has become one of the most desired of Porsche racecars made! Sadly, it would be idolized with the infamous crash that killed renowned actor and weekend racer, James Dean, in September 1955.
This 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder replica was factory built by Chuck Beck Motorsports originally based in Upland, California, and is finished it classic Silver Blue metallic with Red James Dean stripes on the rear fenders over a beautiful Red Leather interior! Starting with Beck's inhouse production steel, round tube style chassis (Beck/Chamonix chassis #55000483), its foundation offers superb strength! The hand-laid fiberglass bodies, exact to the original specifications, are reinforced with interwoven materials and polyester resin for optimum durability! According to Beck Development, these nimble racers weighed in at just 1300 pounds!
Power comes from a performance tuned 1915cc horizontally-opposed, air-cooled 4-cylinder engine fitted with dual Weber 44IDF carburetors to produce 125 horsepower! This comes mated to 4-speed transaxle with 3.88 gear ratio. Options included a performance free-flow exhaust system, front & rear disc brakes, hand brake, pressed steel 15” painted wheels, Nardi wood steering wheel, Simpson 3” racing lap belts, VDO instrumentation, Bosch alternator, Pertronix ignition, racing fuel cap, front tow hook, fire extinguisher, adjustable twin torsion front I-beam suspension, torsion bar rear with adjustable spring plates, leather engine lid straps, and carpeted interior.
This beautiful 550 Spyder has a fully documented ownership history from new and has traveled only 5,782 kms (3,593 miles) since completion in December 1995. It is titled as a 1995 model year vehicle. This is a rare chance to have a Porsche 550 Spyder that came built by the originator himself! It will come complete with original Beck Development number plate riveted to the body, chassis stamp, full Porsche Spyder emblems/badges, Karosserie Wendle-Reutlingen badge, cabin tonneau cover, and gold Beck keychain! Ready to enjoy immediately, please feel free to call with questions! Superb car to drive on the open road! Very quick and intoxicating exhaust note!